Photo by Rena Laverty/MiHockey

2018 Draft: Red Wings select Joseph Veleno

By @MichaelCaples –

DALLAS – After taking a forward at No. 6, the Red Wings went up front with the No. 30 pick, too.

Detroit used the pick they received from Las Vegas in the Tomas Tatar trade to select Joseph Veleno, a center from the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL.

Veleno recorded 79 points in 64 games with Drummondville and the Saint John Sea Dogs.

He also captained Team Canada at the U18 Worlds this April.

Veleno was the fifth player ever granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada; he was drafted into the QMJHL at age 15. He was the first player in league history to be granted that honor; all other exceptional status players played in the OHL.

Like Zadina, Veleno wasn’t expected to be available to the Red Wings; he was ranked No. 8 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.

Tyler Wright, the Red Wings’ director of amateur scouting, had some high praise for Veleno:

From Elite Prospects:

“There is so much to like about Joe Veleno. He’s a hard-nosed workhorse that makes the players around him better. The fleet-footed center is unselfish and will primarily look to make a play at top speed; however, when the chance arises to put it in the pot himself, he will capitalize. He sees the ice well and is rarely caught out of position. His defensive game is refined and he actively pursues puck control. Transitioning to offence is natural, smooth, and quick. All-in-all, a well-rounded two-way forward that skates well and can be the catalyst a team needs to turn a game in its favor. If he can find the consistency in refusing to let himself get taken out of plays, especially if he doesn’t start them, he will thrive and exceed expectations.”

Stay tuned for more from Dallas…