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The Montreal Canadiens could be forced to waive a hometown player who joined the club as an offseason signing this summer.
The Montreal Canadiens strived to improve their roster this offseason. A key goal was to bolster depth in order to support the club’s young core.
One of those depth additions was free agent signing Joe Veleno. Veleno, a former first-round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings from 2018, joined the club looking to provide much-needed depth scoring in the Canadiens’ bottom six.
However, there’s a chance that the Habs’ free-agent signing could end up on waivers this season. His career path suggests that could be the case.
Unfortunately for the Red Wings, Veleno didn’t really work out. He put up career-high numbers in 2023-24, scoring 12 goals and totaling 28 points. That season earned him a two-year $4.55 million bridge deal. But Veleno did not live up to expectations.
The 25-year-old managed just 10 points in 56 games in Detroit. That situation led the Red Wings to ship him off to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks then included Veleno in the Andre Burakovsky deal with the Seattle Kraken.
The Kraken then bought out the final year of Veleno’s contract.
That ending in Seattle, without even playing a game for the Kraken, made Veleno a UFA. He signed with the Canadiens for $900K on a one-year deal. However, Veleno will have a tough time cracking the Canadiens’ lineup.
If he can’t impress in training camp this fall, he could hit the waiver wire.
Veleno In Tough to Make Canadiens Roster
Daily Faceoff does not include Joe Veleno in the Canadiens’ top 12. He would have to displace depth forwards like Brendan Gallagher, Oliver Kapanen, or Josh Anderson. That could be a tall order for the Montreal native.
Of course, there’s a chance he could make the team as a 13th or 14th forward. It would make sense given the Canadiens’ relatively tight cap situation. But even if he does make the roster, Veleno likely sits in the press box more often than not.
Then, Veleno might get a shot to prove he belongs in the NHL in case of injury or inconsistency. Most probably, injuries could give Veleno a shot. Otherwise, the Habs may have no choice but to waive him.
One Last Chance to Make NHL
A harsh as it may sound, this opportunity could be Veleno’s last one to make the NHL. The Canadiens are banking on the hometown son to recapture the promise that made him the 30th overall pick in 2020.
But if he fails to move the needle, the Habs could waive him. In that case, another club might take a flyer on him. That’s plausible, especially if it’s a club that’s struggling with injuries or depth issues.
Such a club could be a rebuilding team. Contenders are unlikely to take a shot on him unless he goes directly down to their AHL affiliate.
In all likelihood, Veleno could clear waivers. If he does, he’ll have a chance to play in the Canadiens’ AHL club. There, Veleno could rebuild his career, potentially earning one more kick at the NHL can.
All told, Joe Veleno has one last shot to make the NHL. Montreal hopes he’ll make the best of it.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst focused on covering all 32 teams with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. More about Nestor Quixtan
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