Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Weiss trade talk (update)
By Victoria Matiash
UPDATE: Well, we can put this discussion to bed for good. As confirmed by George Richard of the Miami Herald, Stephen Weiss of the Florida Panthers will have season-ending wrist surgery.
"I thought Stephen Weiss would be able to avoid being the bad guy and leave (the Panthers) via trade; wrist injury ends season means UFA next ..."
As long as there are no further complications following the surgery, Weiss should still snag a decent contract as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Only now, the Panthers won't be able to capitalize on the center's potential trade value as a playoff 'rental' this spring.
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Expected back in the lineup Sunday, Stephen Weiss (groin) is one of the more popular subjects of trade speculation this shortened season. Due to become an unrestricted free agent in July, the 29-year-old member of the Florida Panthers could serve as an ideal 'rental' for a team (Ottawa Senators etc) looking to make a playoff charge. However, there's a lack of consensus in regards to the forward's true availability.
According to CBC's Elliotte Friedman, Panthers GM Dale Tallon calls the trade rumors "ridiculous", and the intent is to re-sign Weiss. Meanwhile, participating in the same Hotstove Tonight discussion on CBC's Hockey Night, Glenn Healy insisted the centerman would be dealt before this season's deadline.
"Weiss is on the market, other general managers are talking about this player ..."
It's also worth noting that Weiss has a no movement clause.
