The Montreal Canadiens have officially announced the signing of forward Joe Veleno to a one-year contract, confirmed by the NHL club on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old, a native of Montreal, recorded eight goals and nine assists across 74 games last season, playing for both Detroit and Chicago.
After being acquired by the Blackhawks at the NHL trade deadline, Veleno contributed three goals and four assists in 18 appearances for the team.
Since being selected 30th overall by the Red Wings in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Veleno has amassed 38 goals and 43 assists over 306 career NHL games.
During the 2023-24 season, the 6-foot-1, 201-pound forward achieved new career highs, registering 12 goals, 16 assists, and a total of 28 points.
Notably, Veleno was granted “exceptional player” status, making him the first Quebec-born player and fifth overall to receive such an honor, which permitted him to play major junior hockey at the age of 15. He was subsequently drafted first overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the 2015 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft.
He spent five seasons in the QMJHL, playing for both the Saint John Sea Dogs and Drummondville Voltigeurs. In his final major junior season in 2018-19, Veleno excelled with the Voltigeurs, scoring 42 goals and adding 62 assists in just 59 games.
Contract Details
- Player: Joe Veleno
- Signed By: Montreal Canadiens
- Length: 1 year
- Contract Type: Free Agency
- Salary Cap Hit: $900,000
- Total Contract Value: $900,000
- Date Signed: July 16, 2025
Duncan Priestley