Buyout Candidates – Nine Names To Watch

Stephen Weiss, Detroit Red Wings

Dec 4, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Stephen Weiss (90) during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

From the start this was a contract that the didn’t make  much sense as Weiss wasn’t a “Detroit” stye player.  The Wings inked the enigmatic center to a 5 year, $24.5M contract the day free agency opened, and it has been a nightmare ever since.  He recorded just 2 goals and 2 assists in 26 games.

Ken Holland doesn’t make many mistakes as the GM of the Red Wings, but tying up that much money in that player was certainly one of them, and I don’t think too many people are surprised by that.   The issue around the buyout is whether or not Weiss is cleared health-wise, as he made only 26 appearances due to injuries and didn’t play after December 1oth.  Teams cannot buy out injured players.

BUYOUT DETAILS:  $1,583,333 per year for 8 years plus $1.5M total in signing bonuses