The Montreal Canadiens are adding to their center depth.
The Canadiens have announced that they have signed Joe Veleno to a one-year, one-way contract.
Pen to paper! The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a one-year, one-way contract with forward Joe Veleno.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 16, 2025
News release ↓ #GoHabsGo | Montblanc Boutique Montréalhttps://t.co/CUE2zccT15
Veleno's salary with the Canadiens on his new deal will be $900,000, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reports.
$900,000 for Veleno https://t.co/7JjozNvQw8
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 16, 2025
Veleno, 25, was viewed as a potential target for the Canadiens, and he is now officially heading to Montreal. He will now offer them another experienced option to work with for their bottom six.
Veleno appeared in 74 games this past season split between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, where he posted eight goals, 17 points, and 139 hits. He was traded to the Seattle Kraken this off-season but then immediately bought out, making him an unrestricted free agent.
In 306 career NHL games over five seasons, Veleno has recorded 38 goals, 43 assists, 81 points, and 529 hits. He was selected by the Red Wings with the 30th overall pick back in 2018.
Report: Ex-Leafs Kadri Would Be Willing To Join CanadiensIt has been an excellent off-season for the Montreal Canadiens, as they notably brought in star defenseman Noah Dobson and young forward Zack Bolduc in two separate trades. Yet, they might not be done yet, as there has been plenty of talk about the Canadiens wanting to find an upgrade for their second-line center spot.
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