Justin Williams hopes to re-sign with Kings, remains intent on winning

Mr. Game 7 may soon be plying his trade elsewhere.

Set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, Justin Williams - the 2014 Conn Smythe Trophy winner - said Friday there's been little progress in terms of reaching a new contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

While he's most amenable to staying in California, Williams said his priority remains lifting the Stanley Cup.

Williams told Sportsnet's Hockey Central:

At this point, I love L.A. If I re-sign here, great. I'll be part of a great team moving forward. But if not, I'm going to try to restart my career somewhere else, turn the page and try to win as many hockey games as I can. I'm at a point in my career where it's not all about money, it's about winning for me.

The 33-year-old played a major role in the Kings' recent championships, but recorded only 18 goals and 23 assists in 81 games this past season, which ended with Los Angeles outside the playoff picture.

Still, he may prove to be too costly to retain, giving him an opportunity to boost his reputation as a clutch player somewhere else around the league.