Chicago Blackhawks center Joe Veleno (90) waits for a faceoff during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn ImagesThe Montreal Canadiens have signed recently acquired and then bought out Seattle Kraken forward Joe Veleno to a one-year, $900,000 contract.
Veleno was acquired by the Kraken from the Chicago Blackhawks, which saw the Kraken offload all of Andre Burakovsky's $5.5 million cap hit. Burakovsky spent three seasons with the Kraken, riddled by injuries in the first two and then struggling to produce in his most recent season. The Kraken wanted to make their lineup younger, and moving the 30-year-old was the easiest solution.
When Veleno was acquired, a clear plan for the 25-year-old center was unknown, but after he was bought out eight days later, the thought process of the Kraken's front office became clear.
The Montreal, Que. native now has the opportunity to play for his hometown team, looking to add depth to a forward group that hopes to take another step forward after making the playoffs this past season. The Canadiens have been aggressive this offseason, trading for Noah Dobson and continuing their pursuit of a second-line center.
Veleno will likely serve as either a fourth-line center or winger in Montreal. Once a highly touted prospect, Veleno became the first player in QMJHL history to receive exceptional status. He was then drafted with the 30th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2018, and has yet to score more than 12 goals and 28 points in a season.
