Joe Veleno


Joseph Veleno is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League as a prospect to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. He was drafted 30th overall by the Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

On June 4, 2015, Veleno became the first player from Quebec to be granted "exceptional status" allowing him to play as a 15-year old in major junior hockey which led to him being selected 1st overall in the 2015 QMJHL draft by the Saint John Sea Dogs on June 7, 2015. He is the fifth player to be granted exceptional status, with the preceding four being John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid, and Sean Day.
On December 8, 2017, it was announced that Veleno had been traded to the Drummondville Voltigeurs in exchange for three first-round selections and two second-round selections in the QMJHL draft. and ended the season with 79 points in 64 games.
Veleno was selected in the first round 30th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL entry draft. During the 2018-19 QMJHL season, in just 59 games with Drummondville, he produced 42 goals and 62 assists for a 104 total points, helping the Voltigeurs reach the semi finals of the QMJHL playoffs, when he produced a further 8 goals and 9 assists in 16 games.
On May 1, 2019, Veleno signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Red Wings.
He did not make the Red Wings roster out of training camp, and began the 2019–20 season with the Wings AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Personal life

Veleno is of Italian descent. He was born in Kirkland, Quebec and still lives there in the offseason. His favourite team as a child was the Washington Capitals and his favourite player was Alexander Ovechkin. In addition to hockey, Veleno also played soccer and lacrosse as a child, and he is fluent in English, French, and Italian.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International