Red Wings re-sign Williams to two-year contract

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DETROIT -- Jason Williams re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, agreeing to a two-year deal.

Williams had career highs last season with 20 goals, 58 points and 80 games. Getting an opportunity to play a key role for the first time, Williams had 13 points in the first 10 games and was the first Red Wing to score three times in a period since the 1996-97 season. He was a restricted free agent.

"We are pleased to reach a deal with Jason before going to arbitration," Red Wings Ken Holland said. "He took a big step forward as a NHL player last year and we look forward to even more progress in the future."

Is Williams ready to play on one of Detroit's top two lines?

"We think so, and we're about to find out," Holland said.

Williams, who will turn 26 before the season starts in October, made his NHL debut during the 2000-01 season when he played five games for the Red Wings. The London, Ontario, native played 25 games during the 2001-02 season, 16 the next and 49 the following season.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

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