The Detroit Red Wings have signed Joe Veleno to a two-year contract.
This new deal, shared by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, has an annual value of $2.275M. It wraps up negotiations before Veleno’s salary arbitration. Last summer, he had a one-year contract worth $825K. This season, he scored 12 goals and made 16 assists, totaling 28 points – all career highs. He looked like a solid third-line center after his strong performance in the previous season with 20 points in 81 games.
Veleno is finally finding his place in the NHL after some inconsistent years early on. He used to be known for high-energy scoring during his four years in the QMJHL but has since adapted to use his physical strength more effectively . Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 201 pounds, he’s become better at fulfilling depth centerman duties. Among Red Wings forwards, he ranks fourth in hits (108) and third among centermen in faceoff percentage (49%).
Contract Details:
The short-term extension gives Veleno a chance to earn an even bigger raise before hitting his prime. By the end of this contract, he’ll still be in his final year of RFA eligibility.
Fans might feel excited about Veleno’s growth and potential for future success.
While it’s clear that Veleno’s role has evolved significantly from his junior days, it’s interesting how athletes adapt over time to meet professional demands.
What do you think about this new deal for Veleno?
