Red Wings' Weiss on 1st game in over 10 months: 'A lot more fun than watching'

Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock called on veteran center Stephen Weiss for Saturday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in light of an injury to Johan Franzen. 

While his ice time was limited to just over eight minutes (including two power-play shifts), Weiss appeared quite tickled to see his first game action since Dec. 10, 2013. 

"It was awesome," Weiss told reporters. "A lot more fun than watching, that's for sure."

Babcock was happy with the center's play, but cautioned it will take time for Weiss to get back up to speed.

"He got an opportunity to play, not a ton," Babcock said. "But at least he got into the game. With Weiss, it's not going to happen overnight. You miss as much hockey as he has, it's going to take some time. But we are happy with that. We think he's going in the right direction."

Weiss was limited to 26 games last season due to a sports hernia - recording four points during that time - and was relegated to the press box as a healthy scratch to start the new season. 

He has four years remaining on his $24.5-million contract with the club.