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Joe Veleno

Joe Veleno is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre born in Montréal, Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joe Veleno is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre born in Montréal, Quebec. He was drafted 30th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and has played for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, and Montreal Canadiens. Veleno has also represented Canada at multiple international tournaments, winning gold at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 IIHF World Championship.

Early life and junior career

Veleno was born in Montréal, Quebec, and played major junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He was the first Quebec-born player to receive exceptional status to play in the league as a 15-year-old.

NHL career

The Detroit Red Wings selected Veleno in the first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He later played for the Chicago Blackhawks and Seattle Kraken before signing with the Montreal Canadiens in July 2025.

International play

Veleno has represented Canada at several youth and senior international tournaments. His major titles include gold at the 2020 World Junior Championship and the 2023 World Championship.

Playing style and profile

He is a left-shooting centre with NHL-listed size of 6 ft 1 in and 201 lb. Public player profiles list him as a forward who can play centre and left wing.

Key facts

  • Joe Veleno is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre from Montréal, Quebec.
  • He was drafted 30th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
  • He has played for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, and Montreal Canadiens.
  • He won gold medals with Canada at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
  • He was the first Quebec-born player granted exceptional status to play in the QMJHL as a 15-year-old.
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Canadian context

Veleno is Canadian, was born in Montréal, and has represented Canada in international competition, making him directly relevant to Canadian hockey readers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Joe Veleno?
Joe Veleno is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre from Montréal who has played in the NHL and for Canada internationally.
When was Joe Veleno drafted?
He was drafted 30th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
What teams has Joe Veleno played for?
He has played for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, and Montreal Canadiens.
What are Joe Veleno’s major international achievements?
He won gold with Canada at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
Why is Joe Veleno notable in junior hockey?
He was the first Quebec-born player granted exceptional status to play in the QMJHL as a 15-year-old.

References

  1. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/rangers/player/joseph-veleno-8480813
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, height, weight, shooting hand, draft details, career moves, and international honours.
  2. NHLPA — https://www.nhlpa.com/news/veleno-living-out-childhood-dream-with-canadiens/
    Supports: Exceptional status in the QMJHL, draft position, and recent team movement.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/4352804/joe-veleno
    Supports: Position, size, birthplace, draft information, and active NHL status.
  4. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/271713/joe-veleno
    Supports: Position, birthplace, nationality, shooting side, height, weight, and draft information.