Wow, that was fast. Not even four months ago, the Detroit Red Wings pawned off Joe Veleno to the Chicago Blackhawks for a couple of cast-offs. Frankly, I’d’ve kept Veleno, thanks to his edgy play on the lower lines.
He could’ve become something comparable to Casey Cizikas of the New York Islanders, and that potential’s still there. And I thought he’d show it off in Chicago and rise alongside a young Blackhawks team. Well, that’s not happening, as the Hawks moved him to the Seattle Kraken in a trade that involved Andre Burakovsky.
Burakovsky’s struggled through a turbulent trio of forgettable seasons with the Kraken, so a change of scenery helps. But he also joined the recent expansion team following an epic Stanley Cup win in 2022.
So, he’s got championship experience - he also won it back in 2018 with the Washington Capitals - and he’s proven in the past that he can play. But, let’s focus on the former Red Wing. Has Veleno finally found a landing spot after what’s been an up-and-down start to his career?
Will Joe Veleno stick around Seattle or is it another short landing spot?
The former first-round pick never panned out as a reliable points producer in Detroit and was stuck playing lower-line minutes. Veleno’s career in Detroit ended after just 288 forgettable games, where he put up 35 goals, 74 points, and a minus-56.
Those numbers won’t win many over, even if he established himself as a physical force in the bottom six. As for his 18 games with the Blackhawks, Veleno ended up with seven points, three goals, and a minus-9. He landed 46 body checks, closing in on three per game if you’re doing the math.
But, it’s not like the Kraken haven’t revitalized careers. After struggling with the Nashville Predators, Eeli Tolvanen’s since found his stride. In 2024-25, he scored 23 goals and nabbed a 16.8 shooting percentage. Kaapo Kakko found similar results, with 30 points and 10 goals in 49 games.
So, maybe Veleno’s about to land in the right place for a change if he can be the Kraken’s next reclamation project. He’s also joining a young team that’s most likely in building mode this year. That said, there won’t be any real pressure early on, next to proving he belongs in Washington State.
What if Veleno finds his stride in the Emerald City?
Oh, come on, you know me better than that. Better as, you know I don’t ask a single question I don’t already know the answer to, or at least have an answer for. Oh, flashback to 2005 - I actually won an award in middle school for having an answer to everything, so I’m well-versed.
Anyway, if Veleno finally finds his stride and a home in Seattle, then good for him. I look forward to watching the Wings play against him twice a year, and that’s that. If the Wings are a better team without Veleno in the lineup, then I don’t care if he transforms into a 50-60-point player. Let’s worry about the guys who are in Hockeytown.
Can I see Veleno playing good hockey with the Kraken? Yeah, I do. Tolvanen and Kakko look like rejuvenated players. So, recent history’s on Veleno’s side.
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