However, the season-ending injury will prevent a deal from happening this season.
"He couldn't perform up to his capabilities, in his opinion, and he wanted to get it fixed," Panthers GM Dale Tallon said. "It was difficult for him and for all of us. Stephen cares and he feels badly about it, but he's got to do what's best for him, too. This is a big year for him as well."
Without getting into specifics, Tallon said he would deal with Weiss' contract situation down the line.
"We'll go into that later," he said. "Let's get him healthy first."
It's strongly believed that Weiss plans on testing the free agent market this July. The Panthers could trade his rights around the NHL Draft in late-June, giving the team who acquires him the ability to negotiate prior to the start of free agency.
Weiss joins a long list of Panthers regulars on the sidelines.
Goalie Jose Theodore (groin) and defenseman Mike Weaver (lower body) both will be out at least a month; defenseman Dmitry Kulikov will be out 3-4 weeks with an upper-body injury; and forward Scottie Upshall (lower body) and defenseman Ed Jovanovski (lower body) both will be out another seven to 10 days; and right wing Kris Versteeg (upper body) will miss his 11th consecutive game Tuesday night against the Winnipeg Jets, but could return Friday.
