The Montreal Canadiens have inked a one-year, $900K contract with center Joe Veleno, bringing the Montreal native back to his hometown. This move marks a significant opportunity for the former first-round pick to revitalize his NHL career. Veleno, who once had top-10 draft projections, aims to find a stable role with the Canadiens after a somewhat turbulent journey through the league. This article dives into Veleno’s path, his potential fit with Montreal, and what he brings to the team.
Veleno’s journey has been filled with highs and lows, from his impressive junior career to his struggles in the NHL. Despite not fully realizing his offensive potential at the professional level, his defensive capabilities and hockey sense remain valuable assets. The Canadiens are betting on Veleno’s ability to adapt and contribute, possibly as a winger, to bolster their lineup.
We’ll explore his junior days, his time with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, and his brief stint with the Seattle Kraken. Ultimately, this article will provide a comprehensive look at what Veleno offers the Canadiens and how he might fit into their future plans.
Early Career and Draft Stock
Joe Veleno’s early career was marked by considerable promise. As a junior player, he showcased exceptional offensive skills, leading to high expectations for his NHL future. Before the 2017-18 season, many scouts projected him as a top-10 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. His time with the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs and Drummondville Voltigeurs further solidified his reputation as a top prospect. However, his draft stock fell, and he was eventually selected 30th overall by the Detroit Red Wings.
Despite the draft day slide, Veleno continued to impress. A year after being drafted, he exploded offensively with the Voltigeurs, amassing 42 goals and 104 points in just 59 games. His +63 rating underscored his impact on both ends of the ice. Veleno also represented Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, contributing one goal and eight points in 11 games over two years.
“Joe has always had the skill, but it’s his work ethic that sets him apart,” said his junior coach. “He’s always striving to improve.”
This early success highlighted his potential and hinted at a bright future in the NHL. However, the transition to professional hockey presented new challenges.
Detroit Red Wings Tenure
Veleno’s time with the Detroit Red Wings was characterized by a struggle to translate his junior scoring prowess to the NHL level. Although he displayed flashes of potential, he was primarily utilized in a bottom-six role, averaging 13:05 of ice time over nearly six seasons. During his tenure in Detroit, he recorded 35 goals and 74 points in 288 games, accompanied by a -56 rating.
Despite the underwhelming offensive numbers, Veleno’s defensive metrics offered a different perspective. He maintained a solid 90.3% on-ice save percentage and started 54.0% of his shifts in the defensive zone, indicating his reliability in his own end. However, his faceoff percentage (46.6%) remained an area for improvement.
“Joe is a responsible player who understands his defensive duties,” noted a Red Wings assistant coach. “He may not be a top scorer, but he’s valuable in other areas.”
Considering the Red Wings’ defensive struggles during Veleno’s time with the team, his contributions in his own zone were a bright spot. However, his inability to consistently generate offense led to his eventual departure from Detroit.
Brief Stints in Chicago and Seattle
Veleno’s time after Detroit was brief and transitional. He was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline in exchange for prospects. With the Blackhawks prioritizing the development of younger players, Veleno’s tenure lasted only 18 games before he was moved again, this time to the Seattle Kraken.
The Kraken acquired Veleno in the offseason but ultimately decided to buy out his contract, making him a free agent. This decision opened the door for the Montreal Canadiens to sign him, offering Veleno a fresh start in a familiar environment.
“Sometimes a change of scenery is what a player needs,” an NHL analyst commented. “Veleno has the potential to be a valuable player, and Montreal might be the perfect fit for him.”
These short stints highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Veleno’s role in the NHL. However, the Canadiens saw an opportunity to capitalize on his potential and bring him into their fold.
Opportunity in Montreal
Joining the Montreal Canadiens represents a significant opportunity for Joe Veleno. With a one-year contract, he has the chance to prove his worth in his hometown. Given the Canadiens’ existing roster, which includes forwards, Veleno may find himself transitioning to a full-time winger role. This change could allow him to leverage his speed and defensive skills while reducing the pressure to be a top-line center.
There’s a strong possibility that Veleno will slot into the fourth-line left wing position, providing valuable depth and versatility to the team. Additionally, he can serve as a reliable center option if injuries arise. His familiarity with the Montreal area and the Canadiens organization could also contribute to a smoother transition.
“We believe Joe can bring a lot to our team,” said a Canadiens spokesperson. “He’s a smart player with good defensive instincts, and we’re excited to see what he can do in our system.”
The Canadiens are banking on Veleno to bring energy and reliability to their bottom-six forwards, adding a layer of competitiveness to the roster.
Potential Role and Expectations
Veleno’s role with the Canadiens is likely to be multifaceted. While he may primarily play as a fourth-line winger, his ability to play center adds valuable flexibility to the lineup. The Canadiens will likely focus on utilizing his defensive skills and hockey sense to create a well-rounded bottom-six. His performance on special teams, particularly on the penalty kill, could also be a key factor in determining his ice time.
Expectations for Veleno should be tempered, given his history. However, if he can consistently contribute defensively, win puck battles, and chip in with occasional offense, he will be considered a success. The Canadiens are not necessarily looking for him to become a star player, but rather a reliable and versatile contributor.
“Our goal is to put Joe in a position where he can succeed,” explained the Canadiens coach. “We believe he has the tools to be a valuable asset to our team.”
Ultimately, Veleno’s performance in Montreal will hinge on his ability to adapt to his role and capitalize on the opportunities he’s given.
Conclusion
The Montreal Canadiens’ signing of Joe Veleno marks a homecoming and a fresh opportunity for the former first-round pick. After a somewhat underwhelming start to his NHL career, Veleno has the chance to revitalize his game in a familiar environment. His defensive capabilities, versatility, and hockey sense make him a valuable addition to the Canadiens’ roster.
While expectations should be managed, Veleno’s potential to contribute as a reliable bottom-six forward and penalty killer could make him a key player for the Canadiens. His journey through the NHL has been filled with challenges, but his arrival in Montreal represents a chance to write a new chapter in his career.
The Canadiens are betting on Veleno’s adaptability and desire to succeed in his hometown. If he can embrace his role and capitalize on his strengths, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for the team. As Veleno embarks on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can finally realize the potential that made him a highly touted prospect years ago.
Leave a Reply