Stephen-Weiss-12-4-13

The Red Wings are counting on Stephen Weiss to rebound from an injury-plagued season and provide offense as their second-line center.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have received encouraging reports on the progress of Stephen Weiss.

"(Trainer) Piet Van Zant texted him two days ago," general manager Ken Holland said. "He said he's feeling great, he's training hard; he's played some shinny (pick-up hockey). So far all reports are he's healed and ready to roll in September."

The Red Wings signed Weiss to a five-year, $24.5 million contract last summer, expecting him to fill their second-line center spot. But he experienced a forgettable, injury-plagued season.

Weiss, 31, had surgery on Dec. 23 to repair a sports hernia. He was due back by the end of February but experienced multiple setbacks and didn't return.

He underwent a second procedure on April 21 to release scar tissue.

Weiss finished with two goals and two assists in 26 games. He revealed after the season that he tried to play through his injury right from the start of training camp.

"The doctor told him when he had the second surgery that by early June he would be able to work out hard, start skating and then ramp it up over the summer," Holland said.

Holland told Weiss he only wants to hear from him if there is a setback. So no news is good news.

"If I don't hear from him I'll assume he's getting better and better," Holland said.

Weiss, whom the Red Wings expected would generate around 50 points, again will be penciled in as the second-line center -- or so the team hopes.

"(Coach) Mike Babcock and I talked to many of our players about the importance of having a great off-season and coming to camp understanding there's a competition for ice time and jobs," Holland said.

"Last year we always had so many injuries that for the most part we were digging into our farm system. I'm hoping with the adversity we faced and with the quality minutes those young kids played it'll allow us to be a four-line team."

Holland said the club has gotten positive updates on the health of Pavel Datsyuk (mid-season knee issue), Henrik Zetterberg (back surgery on Feb. 21) and everyone else.

"The biggest thing is health," Holland said. "If we can get to training camp (Sept. 19) and get Pav, Z, (Darren) Helm, Weiss on the ice we're optimistic we got the potential to be a decent hockey club."

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