On March 4, 2009, Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi pulled off a “nothing” trade that turned out to have a large impact on their roster.
The Carolina Hurricanes traded Williams to the Kings in exchange for Patrick O’Sullivan and a 2009 second-round pick, which was used to select Brian Dumoulin.
Williams coined the name “Mr. Game 7” after appearing in nine game sevens and having an 8-1 record.
On May 28, 2013, “Mr. Game 7,” Justin Williams, scored both Kings’ goals in the series clinching game against the San Jose Sharks. The 2-1 win in Game 7 would advance the Kings to a second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/jHknug7FUM
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) May 28, 2019
However, it wasn’t just his good luck that came in game sevens; he also had a unique ability to show up and be a very impactful player throughout the playoffs.
During the Kings’ 2012 Cup run, Williams scored 15 points in 20 games and helped the team to their first Stanley Cup and his second.
On May 16, 2014, the Los Angeles Kings advanced to the Western Conference Finals for a third consecutive season by defeating the Anaheim Ducks, 6-2, in Game 7. Six Kings players registered two points, including Mr. Game 7, Justin Williams. pic.twitter.com/xjNFEeNcsA
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) May 16, 2019
Two years later, during the Kings’ 2014 Cup run, he showed up big again; he had 13 points in 26 games and would hoist his third Stanley Cup and second in two years with the organization.
Williams was the type of secondary scoring player that every NHL team needed, but since there was only one of him, the Kings benefited a ton from this trade.
Justin Williams is one of the most clutch players ever 🔥
Today he gets inducted into the Carolina Hurricanes Hall of Fame before their game against the Los Angeles Kings 👏 pic.twitter.com/7NmZ1Rn4TL
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 15, 2024
All in all, this may go down as the best trade ever made in Kings’ history; the payout for Williams was small, and the rewards were big.