With a wide gap separating the Panthers and restricted free agent center Stephen Weiss in contract negotiations, at least other three teams have inquired about signing him to an offer sheet, Weiss' agent, Pat Morris, said Monday.

"Not to get into the parameters of it, but we're talking about a long-term deal and there seems to be a major difference in how they view Stephen as compared to Nathan Horton," Morris said. "That's why we're not signed."

Horton, who was a restricted free agent, signed a six-year, $24 million extension days before the NHL Draft in June. There is speculation that Weiss wants the same money as Horton. Asked if that was so, Morris said, "that's too strong of a statement."



Horton, 22, was second on the team in goals (31) and assists (31) — both career highs — in 82 games in 2006-07, his fourth NHL season. Weiss, 24, finished third in goals (20) and fourth in points (48) — both career highs — while playing 74 games in his fifth season. Weiss also was a key contributor on power plays and penalty kills.

It's believed Weiss is seeking at least $3.25 million a season, which 24-year-old center Miiko Koivu, who had 20 goals and 54 points last season, received last month in signing a four-year extension with the Wild.

The Panthers probably see Weiss comparable to another 24-year-old center, Lee Stempniak, who re-signed with the Blues for $2.5 million a season last week after 52 points (27 goals) last season.

Morris said he's waiting for a counter offer from the Panthers.

Weiss and defenseman Steve Montador, who is scheduled to have an arbitrator decide his 2007-08 salary on Friday, are the Panthers' only restricted free agents not under contract for next season.



AULD not signed
Morris, who also represents former Panthers goalie Alex Auld, said he's surprised Auld hasn't been signed. The Coyotes showed interest, but opted for David Aebischer as their backup.