The Detroit Red Wings are starting to get ready for the 2023-24 season. As things turn over to fall and the players get back on the ice, one of the things that the team has to do is identify which players will compete for roles and figure out where different players will slot in.
One of the players that the Detroit Red Wings recently signed to a contract extension was Joe Veleno. As of late, the 23-year-old forward has been a fixture with the team, slotting into the bottom six as he adjusts to the NHL caliber of play.
Veleno is a youngster with the potential to find his way as a bottom-six asset for the Red Wings this season. He was one of the last players the Red Wings got situated this fall with a new contact, but they were able to work out a one-year deal worth $825,000.
The deal keeps him in Detroit through 2023-24, bringing him into an RFA off-season next summer. It means the Red Wings could be in a similar spot once again, but it’s a good chance for Veleno to prove himself.
Detroit Red Wings should expect Joe Veleno to prove himself.
Veleno is entering his fourth season with the Red Wings, where he’ll log games at the NHL level, and he is coming off the 2022-23 season, where he played in 81 games. Veleno scored nine goals and added 11 assists for 20 total points.
In 2021-22, Veleno scored eight goals and added seven assists for 15 total points over 66 games played. The last two seasons have been underwhelming for Veleno, but there’s hope for him to jump in 2023-24 as he tries to carve out a role.
It’s similar to Michael Rasmussen in 2022-23 when he came out and proved himself. While his season ended in injury, he showed plenty to like and will be an asset moving forward when he returns. Now, Veleno is looking to do something similar.
The difference comes with the offensive expectations. Veleno won’t tap into much more offense, and that’s okay. If he can settle into the bottom six with some play-making ability, it should be deemed good enough for the Red Wings.
Veleno has to prove he can compete and be a playmaker this season, especially if he’s trying to earn another call-back in 2023-24 to stick around. The question is if he can end up proving to be an asset or if he will wind up being replaced.
The Red Wings should expect Veleno to be a bottom-six option up the middle and be able to produce similar offense output, maybe a tick upward. Once again, it’s a make-or-break year for Veleno.