Red Wings Wrap-Up: Veleno embraces increased role in 2021-22 campaign

Alternating between an NHL team and its AHL affiliate can be frustrating for a professional hockey player.

But for Joe Veleno - who was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins and recalled by the Detroit Red Wings several times throughout the 2021-22 campaign - it's a reminder to "keep a positive attitude throughout the journey."
"I look at this situation where I'm at and I'm still a young player in this league," Veleno said in a

"I still got a long way to go and a long career ahead of me. I just try to think of as many positive things as I can and I obviously got a really good circle around me with my family, my trainers and my friends."
The 22-year-old forward made the most of his time in Detroit this season, finishing with 15 points on eight goals and seven assists in 66 games.

While Veleno was disappointed he didn't make the Red Wings' roster out of training camp, he remained confident and ready to be recalled at any time.
"Going down there, I knew that there was going to be an opportunity at some point," he said. "I just wanted to have a good head on my shoulders as well as be a good leader."
After a fast start - three goals in five games - with the Griffins, Detroit recalled Veleno ahead of its Oct. 30 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
But when Veleno received the news, his teammates were already en route to Scotiabank Arena. Fortunately, Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman offered to give the former first-round pick a ride.
"I'm glad he made up most of the conversation," Veleno said about carpooling with Yzerman. "I didn't really know what to talk about. Once I got to spend a little bit of time with him in the car, I got a little bit more comfortable. He's a really good person and really easy to talk to."
That comfortability carried into the game at Toronto, with Veleno recording a goal and an assist in a Red Wings' comeback effort that fell just short.

"It was just nice to be on the ice suiting up for my first game this year," Veleno said after the Oct. 30 game. "Hopefully, it can continue into the future."
After appearing in just five contests with Detroit in 2020-21, Veleno said he understands what he must to do be a regular NHLer.
"I just try to keep a clear head and focus on the things I gotta do to be here in the lineup every night," he said on Feb. 25. "I try to get more opportunity, stay on the ice extra for practice, work on some skills and just do the little things that will eventually help me get to the position quicker and get more opportunity later on down the road."
Looking ahead to 2022-23, Veleno is focused on polishing his overall game.
"There are things I still gotta work on," Veleno said. "I'm aware of those things and I'm gonna try to work on them every time I practice, focus on them during games then try to apply those things night in and night out."