Connor Bedard is a rising star in the NHL, and several players have shared the ice alongside him. In this context, a former Chicago Blackhawks forward has officially joined the Montreal Canadiens after failing to make an impact during a brief stint with the Seattle Kraken.
While not considered a marquee signing, this forward had previously drawn interest from teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks, who all viewed him as a potential depth addition.
The new Montreal Canadiens player is none other than center Joe Veleno, who arrives after a challenging spell with the Seattle Kraken on a one-year, $900,000 contract, as reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. This move marks a homecoming for Veleno, who returns to his hometown team.
Veleno’s NHL career
Drafted in the first round in 2018 by the Detroit Red Wings, Veleno made his NHL debut in 2021 and recorded 81 points over 306 games. In March 2025, he was traded to the Blackhawks, where he played alongside Connor Bedard, before being moved to the Kraken in June in exchange for André Burakovsky. With Seattle, he tallied 17 points in 74 games but was placed on unconditional waivers for a buyout on June 29.
Joe Veleno during his stint with the Blackhawks
Veleno and Bedard were teammates in 2025 after Veleno arrived from the Red Wings. Chicago’s young star was already fully integrated into the lineup following his debut in October 2023. Veleno, for his part, played 18 games with the Blackhawks, recording seven points (three goals and four assists) before being traded to the Kraken.
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Veleno was part of a thin free-agent market with limited immediate-impact options in the NHL, so Montreal aimed to add depth down the middle with a versatile piece who could contribute in the face-off circle, apply forecheck pressure, and bring locker-room experience, all without demanding immediate production guarantees.
