Quoting: Kotkaniemi15
Again I very, very much doubt that Weber is able to play in the playoffs. Bergevin has literally said that he likely will never play again. If the plan was for Weber to return in next year’s playoffs, he wouldn’t put so much scrutiny on himself by using those words. Also, why would Shea just give up on $6 million by retiring?
MB has used qualifiers. He hasn't come right out and said Weber will never play again. Truth is, he can't know unless it's something irreperable.
Multiple nagging injuries isn't definitive. Some surgery, therapy, and rehab, could see him feeling well enough that he comes to the team with his doctor and says, "I'm healthy enough to play".
You can't have a "plan" for it, at least publicly, only 2 people can truly know how probable it is to play out that way, MB and Weber.
All I'm saying is don't discount the possibility.
It's true that he might not retire officially, but I don't think the money will factor much into that decision. LTIR isn't a "sit home and twiddle your thumbs" thing. You still have to work. He may prefer to just move on, get a big ceremony and maybe even take a job in the organization.