Detroit City Wire

DETROIT -- Coming off his most productive NHL season in 2023-24, Joe Veleno has reflected on significant on-ice and off-ice growth this summer. After re-signing a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 20, Veleno expressed his eagerness to achieve more in the upcoming season.

“It’s nice to have a deal done,” Veleno recently told DetroitRedWings.com. “I don’t think anyone looks to go to arbitration, so I’m really happy we came to an agreement. This gives me another two years with Detroit. I want to be here and stay here. I don’t envision myself anywhere else.”

Veleno, the Red Wings’ 30th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, set career-highs in goals (12), assists (16), and points (28) in 80 games last season. The 24-year-old forward demonstrated versatility for Detroit, filling a top-six role and contributing on both special teams units when needed.

“It’s helped our depth and made us competitive all year, the ability to play him on the wing and center,” Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said about Veleno on March 5. “I think extremely valuable, especially in today’s NHL.”

Veleno believes he became a more complete player during his second full campaign with the Red Wings.

“I took strides in the right direction numbers-wise, but in my role, I ended up getting my feet wet with some new things,” Veleno said. “Having that experience is huge and I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. At the end of the day, it’s up to me to take advantage of that.”

This self-confidence has been pivotal for Veleno's career progression, and he stated that his new contract will not alter his mentality.

“Having that (multi-year contract) security is nice, but now it’s time for me to keep going,” Veleno said. “I’m going to keep working hard, improving myself as a player and staying involved in the community. We have a bright future ahead of us here. I want to be part of that, get better as a player and help this team advance in the future.”

Veleno enjoyed helping Detroit push for a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot last season and emphasized there was an unprecedented level of competitiveness down the stretch.

“We remember what that felt like, getting so close, and we all know that we can obtain that goal of being in the playoffs,” Veleno said. “There was a lot of disappointment in that locker room at the end of last season.”

Training in his native Montreal this offseason, Veleno is working on improving all facets of his game.

“I’ve been working out in the gym, skating a little bit here and there,” Veleno said. “As the summer continues, my sessions become more intense. Things are starting to ramp up a little bit in the gym and on ice; I'm really happy with how things are going so far. I’ve also been able to enjoy good weather and spend time with family and friends.”

Veleno expressed excitement about meeting new additions this fall when training camp begins at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City.

“Looking forward to meeting new personnel we got and seeing familiar faces from last year,” Veleno said. “I can’t wait to get back on ice; there's a lot of excitement among us players as well as fans because we've taken steps forward every year.”