The New York Rangers are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2024-25 NHL season. Following key offseason moves, including trading defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes and signing Vladislav Gavrikov to reinforce their blue line, the Rangers are reportedly targeting forward depth, particularly in their bottom-six forward group.
Insider reports now link the Rangers to former first-round pick Joe Veleno, who could provide much-needed secondary scoring and defensive stability at center. Veleno, once a highly touted prospect and longtime teammate of Patrick Kane with the Detroit Red Wings, may offer a low-risk solution to fill out the Rangers’ roster as they seek to retool around their core.
Despite some underwhelming offensive production early in his career, Veleno’s strong defensive metrics and versatility could make him an ideal candidate to bolster New York’s third line. His potential addition reflects the Rangers’ broader strategy to balance offensive firepower with defensive responsibility going into the new season.
Veleno emerges as possible Rangers signing
NHL analyst Josh Wegman of TheScore highlights the potential fit of Joe Veleno with the Rangers, especially if the team continues to utilize Mika Zibanejad on the wing rather than at center.
Joe Veleno #90 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his third period goal with teammates while playing the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena on January 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Wegman explains: “The Rangers will need another center if they plan to play Mika Zibanejad on the wing as they did down the stretch last season. Enter Veleno, who’s one of the youngest free agents available. While he hasn’t fully lived up to early expectations, he brings solid defensive play and physicality. At the very least, he’s an upgrade over Juuso Parssinen and Sam Carrick.”
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After K’Andre Miller’s exit, NY Rangers and Mika Zibanejad reportedly focused on ‘avoiding the noise’ amid trade uncertainty
Versatility and defensive reliability make Veleno an attractive option
Joe Veleno’s ability to play both center and wing positions adds flexibility to the Rangers’ lineup. His defensive acumen stands out as a key asset, especially given New York’s struggles with limiting goals against last season.
In 74 games split between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings last year, Veleno recorded 8 goals and 9 assists, totaling 17 points. While his offensive numbers have been modest, his shutdown line potential could be vital in stabilizing the Rangers’ bottom-six.
Rangers prioritize defensive improvements in offseason
New York’s offseason focus has been on strengthening their defensive core and limiting goals against. The acquisition of Vladislav Gavrikov, widely regarded as a strong defensive defenseman, signals this intent.
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General Manager Chris Drury expressed confidence in the new defensive additions: “It starts in our D-zone. We have to be better in our zone, better in front of (Igor Shesterkin) and (Jonathan Quick). The size, reach, competitiveness, and defensive style Gavrikov brings is exactly what we targeted to complement our existing roster.”
