Red Wings Trade Veleno for Blackhawks' Mrazek, Smith

The Detroit Red Wings have traded forward Joe Veleno to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Petr Mrázek and forward Craig Smith. Veleno, a former first-round pick, has struggled this season with just 10 points in 56 games, but the Blackhawks see potential for him as a bottom-six forward. Smith, 35, brings veteran depth with 16 points in 40 games this season and is expected to bolster the Red Wings' playoff push. Mrázek, who has a disappointing .890 save percentage this season, returns to Detroit where he began his NHL career, as the Red Wings seek to improve their goaltending situation. The trade, executed just before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, helps the Blackhawks offload Mrázek’s contract and provides Detroit with experienced players for their playoff contention. Both Smith and Mrázek are on expiring contracts, with Smith becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.