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So with the NHL season lost to the lockout, the Panthers are sending two of their brightest and youngest stars to get some postseason experience in the minor leagues.
The Panthers loaned Bouwmeester and Weiss on Tuesday to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, a move that virtually ensures the duo will play in the playoffs for the first time at the professional level. Purchase Great Panthers Tickets.
Bouwmeester and Weiss were playing for the Panthers' AHL affiliate in San Antonio, but that team is likely to miss the upcoming Calder Cup playoffs. In return, Florida will receive future considerations, that will be based on how far the Wolves advance in the playoffs.
"It was something we felt was really important to both of these players in terms of their own development," Panthers general manager Mike Keenan said. "Obviously we were really disappointed that we couldn't make this happen in San Antonio."
Chicago is in second place in the AHL's West Division; the top four teams in each division make the playoffs. San Antonio is in fifth, six points behind Houston.
Weiss, the fourth player taken in the 2001 NHL Draft, was San Antonio's leading scorer this season, with 15 goals and 23 assists in 62 games. Bouwmeester, a defenseman chosen third overall in 2002, had four goals, 13 assists and was a minus-22 in 64 games.
"They're going to see some nuances of the game they haven't seen before," Keenan said. "I think it's important for them and it'll be a lot of fun for them. ... Although it's a notch below the NHL level, it's still extremely competitive, especially this year."
Both have already logged a decent amount of time in the NHL, and were expected to be key contributors this season -- lost to the lockout that began in September.
Weiss had 19 goals and 33 assists in 134 games over parts of three seasons with the Panthers. Bouwmeester has been with Florida for parts of two seasons, compiling six goals and 30 assists in 143 games.
Keenan said he doesn't expect them to have trouble fitting in with the new club.
"They feel they can step into their lineup and be contributors," Keenan said. "They'll have to prove themselves ... but I think they're capable of doing that."