Joseph Veleno Bio
Joseph Veleno is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 13, 2000, in Kirkland, Quebec, Canada, Veleno began his professional career in 2019 and has played for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks before joining the Canadiens. He is known for his skillful playmaking and has represented Canada in various international tournaments.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Veleno was born in Kirkland, Quebec, and is of Italian descent. Growing up, he was a fan of the Washington Capitals and admired Alexander Ovechkin. Besides hockey, Veleno also played soccer and lacrosse during his childhood. He is multilingual, fluent in English, French, and Italian, which reflects his diverse background and upbringing.
Path to Hockey
In June 2015, Veleno became the first minor midget player from Quebec to be granted exceptional player status, allowing him to play major junior hockey at age 15. This status led to him being selected first overall in the 2015 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft by the Saint John Sea Dogs. He was only the fifth player to receive this designation, joining elite players such as John Tavares and Connor McDavid. Veleno’s early career in the QMJHL included a trade to the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2017, where he continued to develop his skills and produce strong offensive numbers.
Joseph Veleno Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Veleno’s junior career was marked by impressive performances, including scoring 79 points in 64 games during the 2017–18 QMJHL season split between Saint John and Drummondville. His standout 2018–19 season saw him tally 104 points with 42 goals and 62 assists, helping his team reach the QMJHL semi-finals. These achievements caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection as the 30th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Following the draft, Veleno signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings in May 2019. He began the 2019–20 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, as he adjusted to professional play.
Professional Development and NHL Debut (2019–2024)
During the 2020–21 season, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Veleno was loaned to the Malmö Redhawks of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he scored 11 goals and 20 points in 46 games. He returned to North America in April 2021 and made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings later that month. Veleno scored his first NHL goal shortly after, demonstrating his readiness for the league.
Over the next few seasons, Veleno established himself as a reliable centre for the Red Wings, setting career highs in the 2023–24 season with 12 goals, 16 assists, and 28 points. In July 2024, he signed a two-year contract extension with Detroit, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities.
Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens Era (2025–Present)
In March 2025, Veleno was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he increased his offensive output, scoring three goals and seven points in 18 games. Despite his improved performance, he was traded to the Seattle Kraken in June 2025 but was subsequently placed on unconditional waivers and bought out. Shortly after, Veleno signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens, marking the next chapter in his NHL career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Joseph Veleno is known for his playmaking ability and versatility as a centre. His skating and vision on the ice allow him to create scoring opportunities for teammates. Veleno’s experience in various leagues, including the SHL and AHL, has contributed to his well-rounded game and adaptability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Veleno’s career milestones include being the first minor midget player from Quebec granted exceptional status and scoring his first NHL goal in 2021. Internationally, he contributed to Canada’s gold medal win at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and made his senior national team debut in 2023.
Joseph Veleno Career Wins
Throughout his junior and professional career, Joseph Veleno has accumulated numerous points and contributed significantly to his teams’ successes. His scoring ability and playmaking have been evident from his early days in the QMJHL to his current NHL tenure.
QMJHL Highlights
Veleno’s QMJHL career featured over 100 points in the 2018–19 season, showcasing his offensive talent. His leadership and scoring helped the Drummondville Voltigeurs reach the playoffs and compete at a high level.
Professional Highlights
In the NHL, Veleno has steadily improved his point totals, achieving career highs in the 2023–24 season. His time in the SHL also demonstrated his ability to adapt and perform in international professional leagues.
Joseph Veleno Family
Family Background and Heritage
Joseph Veleno is of Italian descent, which adds to his multicultural background. Details about his immediate family are private, but his heritage has been noted as part of his identity.
Personal Life
Veleno has kept his personal life private, with no public information about a spouse or children. His multilingual skills and diverse sports background reflect a well-rounded individual beyond hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for Joseph Veleno. After being traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Chicago Blackhawks, he increased his offensive contributions despite limited games. His subsequent move to the Seattle Kraken was brief, leading to a contract with the Montreal Canadiens. This new opportunity offers Veleno a chance to establish himself further in the NHL and contribute to the Canadiens’ lineup. His experience and skill set position him as a valuable asset for the team’s future campaigns.