Montreal Canadiens Sign Joe Veleno to One-Year $900K Contract

The Montreal Canadiens signed centre Joe Veleno to a one-year, $900,000 contract for the 2025-2026 NHL season, aiming to add depth to their bottom-six forward group. Veleno, a Montreal native, was previously traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Chicago Blackhawks, and then to the Seattle Kraken, who bought out his contract before he joined the Canadiens. Despite modest career stats, Canadiens executives value Veleno's potential, influenced by his status as a former first-round draft pick and the lasting impression such picks make on teams. Veleno's signing follows the Canadiens' need to fill the centre position after losing Christian Dvorak. Financial considerations played a role in the Kraken's decision to buy out Veleno, freeing him to join Montreal where some within the organization believe in his ability to contribute. His recent performance showed limited offensive output but some flashes of chemistry with teammates, adding cautious optimism to his role with the Canadiens.