A fully committed, 200-foot player, Joseph Veleno's multi-dimensional skillset gives him the projection of an offensively capable shut-down pivot and character leader.
Veleno's poised, mature playing style was rewarded early in his career when he was granted exceptional status to enter the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League as a 15-year-old with the Saint John Sea Dogs. It immediately placed him on a pedestal, and while the scrutiny that comes with it has seen its highs and lows, Veleno continued to develop his game with exceptional detail to keep his name in the mix as a top-end talent for the 2018 NHL Draft.
The first things you'll notice about Veleno is the functional intelligence and NHL-like pace he already plays at. He's often a step ahead of the play, leveraging very quick feet that allow him to pressure pucks and quickly accelerate in a north-to-south manner to gain for himself to operate when transitioning the play up ice.
He gets on the right side of his man defensively and employs excellent body and stick positioning when battling for possession. He processes the game quickly with great anticipation, and he has the physical tools to match his mind that allows him to unselfishly get the most out of his linemates.
Veleno's draft year saw him return to Saint John, where he captured 31 points (6+25) in as many games before a December trade to Drummondville. His game blossomed during his 33 contests with the Voltigeurs as he filled the net 16 times, including three short-handed markers, and assisted on 32 others to complete the regular season with 79 points, good for 10th among QMJHL scorers. His 57 helpers tied for third-most in the league.
Veleno's all-around game may ultimately see him develop into a first-tier NHL centerman, but for now he's a safe bet to become a reliable, top-six rock down the middle and consummate teammate who will do whatever it takes to win.
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For more on all the youngsters in the Sabres pipeline, check out Kris Baker's website, SabresProspects.com. You can also follow him on Twitter (@SabresProspects).
