Breaking NHL News: Montreal Canadiens Sign Free Agent Center Joe Veleno

The Montreal Canadiens are signing hometown kid, free agent center Joe Veleno.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed Quebec-born centre, Joe Veleno, to a one-year contract ✍️ pic.twitter.com/llkPg8BGhS
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 16, 2025

Veleno will not fill the Habs' need of a second-line center, however, but rather he'll add some speed and forechecking as a depth piece for the bottom-six.

The 25-year-old former first-round pick (30th overall selection, 2018), spent the first four and a half years of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, before being dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks at this past year's deadline.

He recorded 17 points in 74 games in 2024-25. His best season came in 2023-24, when Veleno notched 12 goals and 28 points in 80 games for Detroit, in 13:57 average time on ice per night. He was bought out by Chicago after the season.

Here are some fun Joe Veleno clips to go against some negativity I'm seeing on X right now. He's quick, forechecks, and has even fought Corey Perry #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/TsGcwQSxki
— Habs Digest (@HabsDigest) July 16, 2025