With new contract signed, Veleno brings extra motivation into 2024-25 season

DETROIT -- Coming off his most productive NHL season in 2023-24, Joe Veleno has plenty of on-ice and off-ice growth to reflect on this summer.

And after re-signing a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 20, Veleno said there’s a lot more he wants to accomplish beginning this season.

“It’s nice to have a deal done,” Veleno recently told DetroitRedWings.com. “I don’t think anyone looks to go to arbitration, so I’m really happy we came to an agreement. This gives me another two years with Detroit. I want to be here and stay here. I don’t envision myself anywhere else.”

Veleno, who was the Red Wings’ 30th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, set NHL career-highs in goals (12), assists (16) and points (28) in 80 games last season. The 24-year-old forward also proved to be very versatile for Detroit, filling a top-six role and contributing on both special teams units when called upon by the coaching staff.

“It’s helped our depth and made us competitive all year, the ability to play him on the wing and center,” Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said about Veleno on March 5. “I think extremely valuable, especially in today’s NHL.”

Veleno believes he became a more complete player during his second full campaign with the Red Wings.

“I took strides in the right direction numbers-wise, but in my role, I ended up getting my feet wet with some new things,” Veleno said. “Having that experience is huge and I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. At the end of the day, it’s up to me to take advantage of that.”

That self-confidence and self-awareness have helped Veleno in his career, and he said this new deal will not change his mentality.

“Having that (multi-year contract) security is nice, but now it’s time for me to keep going,” Veleno said. “I’m going to keep working hard, improving myself as a player and staying involved in the community. We have a bright future ahead of us here. I want to be part of that, get better as a player and help this team advance in the future.”

Veleno enjoyed helping Detroit push for a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot last season, emphasizing there was a level of competitiveness down the stretch he never before experienced in the NHL.

“We remember what that felt like, getting so close, and we all know that we can obtain that goal of being in the playoffs,” Veleno said. “There was a lot of disappointment in that locker room at the end of last season.”

Training in his native Montreal this offseason, Veleno said he’s working to improve all facets of his game.

“I’ve been working out in the gym, skating a little bit here and there,” Veleno said. “As the summer continues, my sessions become more and more intense. Things are starting to ramp up a little bit in the gym and on the ice, but I’m really happy with the way things are going so far. I’ve also been able to enjoy the good weather, spend time with family and friends.”

Veleno said he’s excited to meet the Red Wings’ new additions this fall when the group converges at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City, Mich. for Training Camp.

“Looking forward to meeting the new personnel that we got and seeing all the familiar faces from last year,” Veleno said. “I can’t wait to get back on the ice. There’s a lot of excitement and I’m sure the boys feel the same way, but so should the fans. I think we’re in a really good spot because we’ve taken steps forward every year.”