Montreal’s Joe Veleno has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Over that period, he will pocket $4.55 million.
Veleno, 24, was a restricted free agent. He had filed for arbitration, a process that ultimately would not be necessary.
The center had the best campaign of his career last year, with 12 goals and 28 points in 80 games. He played 232 games, all with the Red Wings, during which he scored 30 goals and 64 points.
Veleno was selected in the first round, at 30e echelon at the 2018 auction. He won the President’s Cup, newly named the Gilles-Courteau Trophy, with the St-John Sea Dogs in 2017.
In the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Veleno also played for the Drummondville Voltigeurs. He had a complete explosion during his last season in juniors, with a harvest of 42 goals and 104 points.
Gifted from a young age, Veleno was granted exceptional player status in 2015. This allowed him to join the QMJHL at the age of 15. The Sea Dogs therefore claimed him first overall in the draft that year.
Veleno is one of nine players to have been granted this status. Landon DuPont is the latest player to join this short list. He will make his Western Hockey League (WHL) debut next season with the Everett Silvertips.