VOORHEES – Dale Weise is eager to don the orange and black for the first time this season.
For someone like Weise, what the Flyers did this offseason meant a lot more than even words can express. A journeymen through his first six seasons, Weise’s fifth stop of his career may be his final. The four-year deal offered to Weise this summer was just as appreciated by him as it was inspiring.
“For a team to show me that confidence with a four-year deal, you obviously want to reward them with your hard work,” Weise said.
A family man, being able to set up shop in the same area for four years is very easing. From a player standpoint, having that much trust thrown his way gives Weise the motivation to continue his upward trajectory.
Removing his 15 games with Chicago to end the season, Weise has been something of a renaissance man. He’s come a long way from when he first came into the league in 2010 where he totaled 14 points in his first 118 games.
MORE: Weise confident he can have best season yet
He strung together a breakout 29-point season with Montreal in the 2014-15 season and followed that up with 26 points in 56 games there before being shipped to a black hole that was Chicago.
“I showed last year in the half season with Montreal what I can do,” Weise said. “I was at the top of my ability with a good opportunity there. Chicago didn’t affect my confidence at all.”
The Flyers are banking on the Montreal-version of Weise to regain form on their third line this season. He’ll also be used in a variety of ways on special teams, having some experience on the power play that should come in handy.
“I’m comfortable anywhere,” Weise admitted. “I’m comfortable in front of the net… I played in the slot a little last year as a one-timer option along the half wall. I think I have a pretty good shot from there. I’m flexible with a lot of things.”
Weise won’t be suiting up for the Flyers’ split-squad game on Monday night – neither are many of the other veterans – but he’s adjusted well to the environment, already developing chemistry with his potential linemates, Scott Laughton and Nick Cousins.
Specifically, Cousins says working on that line is beneficial for his game since Weise can really clear space for him and cause havoc in front of the net. Through the early stages of camp, Weise has kept his head down and his legs churning. He’s made a good impression in his first few days.
“I don’t want to come in and say too much,” Weise said. “I just am going to come in and do what I can do, and try to fit in. I’ve been on a couple of teams in my career so I know what it’s like.”
He’s been on a couple of teams in his career, yes, but he’s never been on a team that has invested so highly in him… and that has him feeling pretty confident in himself.
Kyle Phillippi is the Philadelphia Flyers beat writer for Flyzette. He also contributes Flyers content to CSNPhilly.com and Metro Philly. You can follow Kyle on Twitter, @Kyle_Phillippi.
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