"This is the first I've heard of it," he told the paper, when asked yesterday. "This is surprising because my buddies all watch the Leafs games. My parents too. Maybe they just wanted to keep my head clear."
Weiss, 29, is in the final-year of his six-year, $18.6 million contract, and there doesn't appear to have had any recent discussions with the Panthers about a new deal.
TFP first reported on Jan. 12 that this is likely Weiss' last season with the Panthers, as he seems interested in testing the free agent waters this July.
While Panthers GM Dale Tallon has denied that he's actively shopping Weiss, that will likely change if Florida is unable to make a push for the playoffs come the April 3 trade deadline.
In 80 games with the Panthers last season, Weiss registered 20 goals and 37 assists for 57 points. He has two assists in four games this season.
Several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, are looking for help up the middle and could target Weiss either through trade or via free agency.
