What started off as a great season for the Montreal Canadiens has turned into disappointment for the city and feelings of resignation from the players now that their team has such a small chance of making the playoffs. Players such as P.K. Subban, Andrei Markov and Dale Weise are all feeling the heat as the team goes into sell mode. Weise especially is prepared to move, knowing these are most likely his last days in Montreal.
"For me to sit here and lie to you and say that I haven't thought about or haven't heard anything, that would be me lying," said Weise on Sunday. "There's a human side to it where obviously this has been a dream come true - playing for the Montreal Canadiens - for me. This is where I want to be. I love Montreal. This is where I want to stay. But unfortunately the business side of it is I'm an unrestricted free agent and our team is on the outside looking in," according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.
Talks had briefly been held by Weise's agent, Allain Roy, and general manager Marc Bergevin, but that was in the summer, and there have been no follow-ups.
Engels said that Anaheim, Nashville and Pittsburgh are interested in the 27-year-old.
The Canadiens will most likely get draft picks in return, as according to ESPN's Craig Custance the Canadiens' asking price for Weise was a second and third round pick.
Sending Weise to a playoff team will most likely increase his value at the end of the season. Engels even makes the bold prediction that Weise will make around three times more per year than he currently does.
My prediction: Dale Weise will make $3M per (4yr deal) on July 1.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 21, 2016
While it is almost certain Weise is leaving the city, he surely has enjoyed his time there, on and off the ice.
"This city has the greatest fans in the world," Weise said, referencing Montreal's strong hockey culture. "It's been amazing playing here. I've loved my time."
