Justin Williams “stepping away”.

[DusterDave]

Carolina Hurricanes announces that Justin Williams is taking a break from hockey but not necessarily retiring. A bit odd, I guess we could see him return mid-late season for a playoff run if he is up for it.

https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/...hl/c-308820354

[Zorro]

This seems a little bit odd at his age, but ok!!
Maybe he wants to be fresh for the playoffs??

[Belexus75]

Vacation at Robidas island?

[ericdaoust]

He's just keeping his options open in case he wants to return in-season.

[mounD]

Sounds like he just wants to play down the stretch and into the playoffs.

[DusterDave]

This thread is going to just be everyone saying the same thing but in different wording isn’t it? Haha I guess there isn’t much more to say.

Maybe now they will make a push to sign Maenalanen?

[Zorro]

Was he the captain in Carolina last season??

[metaldude26]

We saw Mike Fisher return after retirement, so it's smart to be keeping his options open. Wouldn't be shocked if we saw Joe Thornton do something similar this season as well.

[Dr.Brad]

Not a bad option for players getting there in age and yet can offer value from late February. John Lynch (now the SF 49ers GM) did this (intentionally? - had surgery in August) in his late 30’s in NFL and got a Super Bowl ring. Didn’t quite work as well for Mike Fisher.... I could see both Thornton and Marleau joining San Jose. I think any of these players have to sign before the trade deadline to be eligible, not sure of this.

[ericdaoust]

Remember the time William Nylander tried to do this?

[Dr.Brad]

LOL ��. With age, comes wisdom. Sometimes.

[YzermansLegacy]

I actually really admire the guy who says he's not "committed" enough at the moment but isn't ready to fully close the door yet.

A solid reminder of just how much effort it takes to deal with the grind of an NHL season... and how your passion doesn't always align itself perfectly with that exit.