Montreal’s Hometown Hope
Joe Veleno faces a pivotal season with the Montreal Canadiens as he looks to solidify his place in the NHL. This past offseason, the Canadiens made a concerted effort to enhance their roster, prioritizing depth to support their promising young core. Among the new additions is Veleno, a former first-round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2018, who was brought in to provide essential scoring depth in the Canadiens’ bottom six.
A Troubled Journey
However, Veleno’s career trajectory raises concerns about his future in Montreal. Despite posting his career-best numbers during the 2023-24 season, where he scored 12 goals and tallied 28 points, he ultimately fell short of expectations. His lackluster performance with the Red Wings, where he managed only 10 points in 56 games, led to his departure from Detroit. Following a series of trades, Veleno found himself with the Chicago Blackhawks, who subsequently included him in a deal for Andre Burakovsky that sent him to the Seattle Kraken. Unfortunately for Veleno, he never donned a Kraken jersey, as Seattle opted to buy out the final year of his contract, leaving him to enter free agency.
Finding a New Home
The Canadiens signed Veleno to a one-year contract worth $900,000, offering him a fresh start in his hometown. Yet, the competition for a spot on the roster remains fierce. Daily Faceoff currently does not project Veleno to be among the Canadiens’ top 12 forwards, which means he would need to outperform established depth players like Brendan Gallagher, Oliver Kapanen, and Josh Anderson to secure a place in the lineup.
While there is a possibility that he could make the team as a 13th or 14th forward—an option that might align with the Canadiens’ tight salary cap situation—his role may often find him as a spectator in the press box. The reality is that Veleno may only get his chance to prove himself if injuries or inconsistencies arise among the forwards ahead of him.
A Last Chance to Shine
This season may well be Veleno’s last opportunity to make a mark in the NHL. With the Canadiens hoping the local talent can recapture the promise that made him the 30th overall pick in 2020, the stakes are high. Should he struggle to make an impact, the team could find themselves in a position where waiving him becomes necessary.
If that scenario unfolds, it’s conceivable that another franchise could take a chance on Veleno, particularly if they are dealing with injury woes or depth shortages. Rebuilding teams might see potential in him, while contenders are less likely to invest unless he proves his worth in the AHL first.
Ultimately, Veleno’s path forward is fraught with uncertainty. Should he clear waivers, he will have the opportunity to play with the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, giving him a chance to rebuild his career and perhaps earn another shot at the NHL. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Joe Veleno, as Montreal hopes he seizes this crucial moment to redefine his professional journey.
