Montreal Canadiens and Jo Veleno Speculation
In recent days, speculation circulated around the Montreal Canadiens potentially reaching out to free agent Jo Veleno. However, during a recent episode of The Sick Podcast, host Tony Marinaro quashed these rumors by stating that his sources indicated no such offer was made. Marinaro elaborated that while the Canadiens did take a keen interest in Veleno, evaluating his performance and potential, the team ultimately chose not to pursue him further.
Jo Veleno’s Career Overview
Veleno, a 25-year-old center born in Montreal, was selected 30th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Draft. His junior career began impressively with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL, where he scored an impressive 48 points in just 33 games during his draft year. In his last season in junior hockey, he upped his production to an astounding 104 points over the course of 59 games.
NHL Struggles and Trades
Despite these promising signs, Veleno struggled to find his rhythm in the NHL. His tenure with the Red Wings saw him reach only 28 points in 80 games during the 2023-24 season. Consequently, management, led by Steve Yzerman, decided to trade him to the Chicago Blackhawks for Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith. Yet, his time in Chicago proved similarly unfulfilling; he managed only seven points in 18 games before being dealt to the Seattle Kraken for Andre Burakovsky on June 21.
Recent Developments
Unfortunately for Veleno, the Kraken opted to place him on unconditional waivers for a buyout on June 29, with one year remaining on a two-year contract that carried a cap hit of $2,275,000. Last season, he tallied a mere 17 points in 74 games, which explains the Kraken’s decision to move on.
Future Prospects
Currently, Veleno may have to settle for a league-minimum contract to secure another opportunity in the NHL. While fans often rally for the Canadiens to sign local players, Veleno may not fit the bill this offseason. The Canadiens are prioritizing the acquisition of top-six forwards, whether on offense or defense, and they do not see Veleno meeting the necessary criteria to fulfill that role, despite the team’s ongoing need for a left-shot center on the roster.
As the Canadiens focus their attention on strengthening their lineup, Veleno’s future remains uncertain, highlighting the challenges faced by players navigating through transitions within the competitive landscape of professional hockey.
