Thats correct it will not return to your hand unless strike with it. It creates a trigger modifier when you strike with it that looks for the end of this turn to trigger, putting the weapon into your hand. Yes it has to stay in play since you last stroke with it to return to you hand. If it leaves play it would be a different card.
World of Warcraft TCG Rules Lvl 3
WoW Minis Lvl 1
Huntik Rules Lvl 1
Player Management Lvl 2
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