Canadiens Free Agent Options: Dale Weise
Looking for free agent upgrades could lead the Canadiens to re-acquiring a familiar face this summer.
2015-16 Team: Montreal Canadiens/Chicago Blackhawks (72 GP-14 G-13 A-27 Pts)
2015-16 Cap Hit: $1.025 million
When the Canadiens traded Raphael Diaz to the Vancouver Canucks for Dale Weise in the 2013-14 season, it was met with a lukewarm reaction. Many felt a player that was constantly in John Torterella’s doghouse would fare similarly under Michel Therrien.
After all, in 162 games with the Canucks and Rangers, Weise failed to establish himself as an NHL regular and posted subpar offensive numbers(10 G, 16 A). He did show some promise at the AHL level and he was nicknamed the “Dutch Gretzky” for his stellar performance in the Netherlands.
So the Canadiens took a chance and it paid off. Weise proved to be one of the Canadiens most versatile, clutch and overall reliable players in his time there. It’s those traits that could make him a prime target for the Canadiens this summer.
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Potential Fit With Canadiens
This one is pretty easy to breakdown. Weise spent 152 games across three seasons with the Canadiens so Michel Therrien and Marc Bergevin are more than familiar with him.
Therrien utilized Weise in several roles including but not limited to the top line, top power play unit, 3rd line and on the penalty kill. To say Weise was Therrien’s favorite moving part would be an understatement.
Weise is by no means a 1st or even 2nd line forward. He’s a bottom 6 player and could easily fill the Canadiens open right wing spot on their 3rd line. It’s a more natural fit for a player like Weise.
Speaking of his game, Weise was in the middle of a career year before he was traded to Chicago. He was actually on pace to top the 20 goal mark for the first time in his career. He was also one pace to set career high’s in all other offensive categories.
After his trade, Weise was utilized far less and made very little impact. That’s actually too bad as Canadiens’ fans know just how valuable he can be when used correctly. Weise has a great combination of size, grit, leadership, versatility and scoring touch. He isn’t overly physical but can play nasty at times.
Potential Contract
Weise is coming off a rather meager contract. He made just $2.05 million over his past two seasons.
Weise will be 28 in August and this is probably his lone chance to cash in on free agency. Saying that, he has not hit any of the classic water marks that warrant huge free agent contracts.
Saying that, I’ve highlighted several intangibles above that NHL GM’s obviously know and covet. That could drive Weise’s price tag up.
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However, before he was traded in February, Weise was very adamant that he wanted to stay in Montreal long-term. A month ago, Weise was on TSN 690 Montreal and echoed those sentiments.
This could give Bergevin an inside edge on signing Weise. Saying that, a contract must be reasonable for both the team and player. The Canadiens are familiar with his body of work. His time in Chicago should be taken with a grain of salt.
With everything said, I believe the Canadiens should bring Weise back. I also believe that he should not get more than $2.75 million per year and even that feels too high. I feel a fair deal for both sides would be for 4 years at $2.15 million per season. That would put Weise right in line with contracts signed by Eric Fehr, Daniel Winnik, Lance Bouma and other comparable players.