The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed Joe Veleno, securing him with a two-year contract worth $4.5 million. The deal carries an average salary cap hit of $2.275 million and extends through the 2025-26 season.
Detroit narrowly missed returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Veleno, who saw increased responsibilities, achieved a career milestone by scoring double-digit goals for the first time. Both he and the team are focused on advancing further.
General Manager Steve Yzerman has assembled a roster of promising young talent, with Veleno being a key part. However, there’s significant fan anticipation for the team’s return to playoff contention after several years.
Despite positive signs, the Red Wings face a tough challenge in the competitive Atlantic Division, which includes several strong teams. The pressure is high on Veleno and his teammates to demonstrate progress.
Throughout his four-year NHL career, Veleno has exclusively played for Detroit. The 24-year-old center recorded a career-best 12 goals and 16 assists in 80 games last season, with a Corsi For percentage of 46.2 and a relative Corsi of -0.6.
Originally drafted by Detroit in the first round (30th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Veleno hails from Montreal and was granted exceptional player status as the first player from Quebec to receive this recognition. He has also represented Canada at various international tournaments, winning gold at the 2018 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championships, and the 2023 IIHF World Championships.
