Jason Williams is back. The former Red Wing is a current Wing, signing a one-year contract today. The right-handed shooting forward gives Detroit 13 forwards. Williams has played the point on the power play under Coach Mike Babcock and might resume that role with Mikael Samuelsson having left for Vancouver.

"He's somebody we've had before," said Detroit vice president and general manager Ken Holland. "We know the player. We know the person. We lost 90 goals (to free agency) and we're looking to replace some of that. We're hoping Jason can get 15-20 goals. Maybe he can get more."

Of Williams being dealt two years ago at the trade deadline for Kyle Calder, Holland said: "Of course he was disappointed. We didn't trade Jason away because of his character. We tried to get a little grittier, a little more experienced."

Here's the team's press release ...

Detroit... The Detroit Red Wings announced today that the club has signed free agent forward Jason Williams to a one-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Williams, 28, was originally signed by Detroit as a free agent on September 18, 2000. In 233 games with the Red Wings between 2000-01 and 2006-07, he posted 49 goals and 67 assists for 116 points. The London, Ontario native enjoyed his best season as a professional with Detroit in 2005-06, finishing with career highs in goals (21), assists (37) and points (58).

Williams played in 80 games last season for the Atlanta Thrashers (41 games played) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (39). He finished the season with 19 goals and 28 assists for 47 points. In 376 career NHL games, Williams has 205 points (85-120—205). He also played 128 games for the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League in 2000-01 and 2001-02 under the direction of current Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock.