Red Wings coach Babcock on Weiss's return: 'He's going to have to grab hold of it'
Stephen Weiss is getting a second chance at making a good impression with the Detroit Red Wings.
Finally (and hopefully) healthy after an injury-plagued calendar year, the forward will step into the lineup for Monday's game against the Ottawa Senators.
Considered a prize free-agent acquisition prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, Weiss has appeared in 27 games for the Red Wings, with two goals and two assists to his credit.
Head coach Mike Babcock will slot Weiss in on the wing, and said he'll remain in the lineup as long as he gives them team its best chance to win.
"It's a good opportunity for him," Babcock said, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. "He's going to have to grab hold of it. He's had a good NHL career, but it's been sidetracked for two years. Now it's up to him, because we're in the business of winning games. Everybody's got to command their share of the ice and get their share of the ice time. I play whoever gives us the best chance to win, period."
Weiss notched a pair of goals on a conditioning stint with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins, and will be looking to make good on his five-year, $24.5-million deal with the club.
He's expected to play with Darren Helm and Tomas Jurco on Monday.