Montreal Canadiens forward reveals why the Detroit Red Wings traded him away
Photo credit: Jess Starr / Hockey Writers
A former Detroit Red Wings forward revealed his thoughts on being traded away by the organization.
Joe Veleno, a 2018 first-round pick and the only player to have been granted the «exceptional player status» in the QMJHL, has had a bumpy NHL journey.
His disappointing 2024-25 season, split between Detroit and Chicago, saw him score only 17 points in 74 games.
In an interview, Veleno opened up about what went wrong, and why he believes Detroit moved on:
"I won't lie, the confidence wasn't there. I didn't have a good start to the season, I don't know why. And it impacted my confidence. [] Consistency was also a big issue. I need to find a way to improve that."
Veleno stated that being scratched, traded, and eventually bought out by the Seattle Kraken after the last season was difficult, but it also served as a wake-up call.
Now, after signing a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Montreal Canadiens, the Quebecer is ready to bounce back in front of his friends and family:
"As soon as I heard Montreal was interested, I was really happy. It's really the place I wanted to play."
He knows nothing is guaranteed in Montreal.
A Crucial Training Camp For Veleno In Montreal
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes even texted him ahead of training camp to tell him to bring his "work boots." But Veleno says he's up for the challenge - and ready to put last year behind him:
"I want to keep progressing. I'm not happy with my season last year. I want to rebuild my game and make a name for myself here. I'm going to put my body on the line every night."
Asked about the Canadiens' strategy of picking up players with high ceilings who've lost momentum with other teams, Veleno didn't shy away from the comparison:
"I hope that's what they're doing. That's why I wanted to come here. I know how they work. You hear good things about [head coach] Martin St. Louis and his staff, about Kent Hughes and management. [] The opportunity couldn't be better."
"I want to bounce back and take my game up a notch. I want to show my best qualities every night. I want to play with character, energy, and passion."
"I want to bounce back and take my game up a notch. I want to show my best qualities every night. I want to play with character, energy, and passion."
One thing is certain, he will have a great opportunity in Montreal, alongside a lot of young talented players with a lot to prove.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 109 ANSWERS Montreal Canadiens forward reveals why the Detroit Red Wings traded him away Do you think Joe Veleno will bounce back next season with the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 41 | 37.6 % |
| No | 68 | 62.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
