DETROIT – Stephen Weiss, you're not in Florida anymore.

That, essentially, was Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock's message to his new second-line center.

After 11 seasons with the Panthers, Weiss joins an organization rich in history and tradition, one that is accustomed to winning. And expectations are high.

“We explained the situation to him very clearly,'' Babcock said Tuesday. “Told him if he wasn't ultra-competitive he couldn't come here. If he didn't bring it every day he couldn't come here, because he was going to hate it if he didn't, dislike the coach and dislike playing here.

“It's real straightforward. If you don't do it right, you're not happy here.''

The 5-foot-11, 193-pound Weiss joined most of his new teammates for the first time on the ice Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena for an informal practice. The Red Wings signed Weiss, 30, to a five-year, $24.5 million contract on July 5. He replaces Valtteri Filppula, who signed a similar deal (five years, $25 million) with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Babcock said Weiss will play on a line with Johan Franzen. He hasn't decided who the other winger will be. It might be fellow newcomer Daniel Alfredsson, or it could be Justin Abdelkader. Whoever it is, it's clear what the Red Wings want from the skilled playmaker.

“We're looking for a guy to generate more in the middle,'' Babcock said. “Can Weiss generate 50 points playing in the middle on the second line? I'm going to watch and see. We think he's going to be a way better player here.

“He's really excited to be here. We think he has lots of skill set. He's got to bring it every day. You got to play without the puck here. Simple.''

Weiss was limited to 17 games in 2013 due to a wrist injury but is fine now. He has notched 60 or more points twice in his career and collected 57 points in 2011-12.

He doesn't view himself as anybody's replacement.

“I’m going to come in and do what I’ve done over my career and take care of my play on the ice,'' Weiss said. “Hopefully that’s good enough. I don’t want to be Valtteri Filppula’s replacement, I want to be Stephen Weiss and do what I do. If I do that I think we’ll be OK.''