After being acquired from Chicago earlier in the week (for Andre Burakovsky), Joe Veleno has been placed on unconditional waivers by Seattle for the purposes of a buyout. The 25-year-old forward is in the 2nd year of a 2-year, $4.55 million contract and will incur a hit of $2,275,000 AAV in the 2025-26 season.
Veleno found himself in Chicago's press box for the first time since being acquired at the trade deadline last game but will return to the lineup on Thursday as he replaces Pat Maroon. The 25-year-old has endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign between Detroit and Chicago, with just five goals and 10 points in 60 combined games played.
Veleno made his debut with the Blackhawks on Saturday, after being acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith. The 25-year-old Veleno is averaging 11:35 time-on-ice and has zero points through two games with the Blackhawks.
Veleno made his debut with the Blackhawks on Saturday, after being acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith. The 25-year-old Veleno is averaging 11:35 time-on-ice and has zero points through two games with the Blackhawks. The team returns to action on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks and it's unclear if Veleno will be ready to suit up.
Veleno was a first-round pick, 30th overall, of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The 25-year-old averaged 11:57 time-on-ice this season, scoring 10 points (5G / 5A) in 56 games.
Veleno will take a seat on Thursday in order to make way for the return of Michael Rasmussen (upper-body). Veleno has five goals and five assists in 56 games this season.
Veleno will be a healthy scratch against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, indication that Patrick Kane may be ready to return to the lineup after a five-game absence. The 24-year-old Veleno is averaging a career-low 11:11 time-on-ice and has two points (1G / 1A) through 22 games this season.
With Patrick Kane (undisclosed) day-to-day, Veleno will re-enter the Red Wings lineup. The 24-year-old Veleno is averaging a career-low 11:37 time-on-ice and only has two points (1G / 1A) through 17 games this season.
Tyler Motte will draw back into the Red Wings lineup on Thursday, resulting in Veleno being a healthy scratch. The Red Wings have had trouble generating offense this season, evident by Veleno's two points (1G / 1A) in 17 games.
Tyler Motte will serve as a healthy scratch on Wednesday, allowing Veleno to make his return from a one-game absence. The 24-year-old Veleno is averaging 11:14 time-on-ice and has two points (1G / 1A) in 13 games this season.
Veleno has served primarily as a bottom-6 centre for the Red Wings over the last three seasons. 2023-24 was his best offensive season to date, scoring 12 goals with 16 assists (28 points) in 80 games. Expect Veleno to continue operating in a similar role in 2024-25.
Veleno played 14:07 time-on-ice on Saturday but suffered an undisclosed injury at some point that will keep him out of the lineup on Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild. The 23-year-old centerman has four points (1G / 3A), a -10 plus/minus, and 15 shots in his last eight games.
Veleno had nine goals, 11 assists, 30 PIMs, 85 SOG, and a -12 plus/minus through 81 games with the Red Wings in 2022-23 and has signed a one-year, $825,000 extension Wednesday. The 23-year-old was Detroit's 2018 first-round pick (30th overall) and has picked up 18 goals, 36 points, and 166 SOG through 152 career NHL games across three seasons.
Veleno suffered an upper-body injury in Wednesday's win over the Blues. He was not available for Friday's practice and head coach Jeff Blashill doesn't expect him to be available for Saturday's game vs. the Sabres.
With Mitchell Stephens landing on IR with a lower-body injury, Veleno has been recalled for the Red Wings' four-game road trip. Veleno has one goal and one assist in four games with the Red Wings this season and three goals in seven AHL games.
