Panthers on the block? Weiss? Theodore?
Of course the trade rumors are heating up. Panthers heart and soul center Stephen Weiss continues to be missing in action. Panthers higher ups are confounded by his subpar play. At first the impending free agent was thought to be playing hurt by that is no longer the case. Weiss himself told me he’s fine and I believe him.
The Red Wings and Senators are in the market for centers and perhaps a change of scenery is what Weiss needs. Panthers fans of course would much rather Weiss become the steady two-way player he’s always been and be signed to a long-term contract. But it’s getting late. And in the crowded net, surely Jacob Markstrom showed Friday in Pittsburgh he is ready to finally become the heir apparent that’s been his label since being drafted in 2008. With Scott Clemmensen signed through 2014, that leaves Jose Theodore and his expiring contract as the more moveable part. TSN made a good point that today’s opponent, the Bruins, aren’t deep in the net beyond Tuukka Rask. And yesterday’s callup of young defenseman Colby Robak tells me two things, that GM Dale Tallon is teetering on bringing up a boatload of the organization’s long-touted prospects especially after seeing how Jonathan Huberdeau, Drew Shore, Erik Gudbranson and Markstrom have been the team’s brightest spots this season.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/panthers-blog/sfl-weiss-and-theodore-on-the-block-20130224,0,3709195.story