RALEIGH, N.C. (CP) - Justin Williams picked the perfect time to have a breakout season.

After setting career highs in all major scoring categories and helping the Carolina Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup, Williams was rewarded Friday with a $17.5-million US, five-year contract.

"Justin is still just 24 years old and he really came into his own as a premier skilled forward this season," said Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford. "He consistently scored big goals for our team and we expect him to continue to flourish under our system."

Williams earned $1.225 million this past season and was due for the hefty raise after finishing second on the Hurricanes in scoring. He set career highs with 31 goals and 45 assists for 76 points while appearing in all 82 games.

The native of Cobourg, Ont., was also a key part of Carolina's special teams with eight power-play goals and four short-handed markers.

Williams had the second-most amount of ice time among Hurricanes forwards to captain Rod Brind'Amour, who signed a five-year contract of his own last week.

In 340 games over five NHL seasons with Philadelphia and Carolina, Williams has 79 goals and 130 points for 209 points.

Earlier Friday, the Hurricanes also re-signed forward Craig Adams and defenceman Andrew Hutchinson to new contracts.

Adams, who would have become an unrestricted free agent, received a three-year deal that will pay him $600,000 per season.

"Craig is a character, high-energy player who is a great fit for our team," said Rutherford. "He had his best season this past year and will continue to play an important role with the Hurricanes in the future."

Hutchinson, who did not play during the team's playoff run, signed a two-year deal and will make $450,000 next season and $500,000 in 2007-08.