Detroit Adds Forward Weiss as Free Agent

On the heels of signing forward Daniel Alfredsson to a one-year contract, the Detroit Red Wings announced on Friday the signing of center Stephen Weiss as a free agent to a five-year deal.

Weiss, 30, was the Florida Panthers’ all-time leader in game played, having spent his entire 654-game career with the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2001.

Limited to just 17 games due to injury during the lockout-shortened 2013 campaign, Weiss scored one goal and added three assists. In his career 145 goals and 249 assists.

Weiss will be expected to replace Valtteri Filppula in the Detroit lineup, as the Finn will not return as a free agent. Filppula had reportedly been requesting a five-year deal averagining $5 million per season.

As per club policy, financial terms of the Weiss’ deal were not announced. The contract reportedly carries a $4.9 million salary cap hit.