Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens Sign Top Remaining Free Agent Center

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 12:21 PM ET

Joe Veleno played with two different teams a season ago, and after solid productivity in that time, he's now inked a free agency deal with the Montreal Canadiens.

The Montreal Canadiens took a huge step forward in 2024/25, and in this off-season thus far they've clearly been aggressive in upgrading their roster as they look to take another leap next season, making the notable move of landing Noah Dobson via trade from the New York Islanders.

Now, they've made a very savvy free agency pickup, as NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has broken the news that Montreal have inked 25-year old forward Joe Veleno to a deal.

This has been a rumoured signing for a number of weeks now, and while he's not the star that Canadiens fans were hoping for, Veleno will give this team depth down the middle, with still plenty of assets to make an upgrade throughout the summer and at the trade deadline.

Last season between Detroit and Chicago, Veleno posted 8 goals and 17 points in 74 games played, giving him a total of 38 goals and 81 points through 306 career games at the National Hockey League level.

However, the Quebec native will now get to play for his hometown team surrounded by young talents that all know this team can be a playoff threat, and if there's anything that can bring out the talent of an underwhelming young player, those are two factors that can do just that.

Ultimately, this won't be the 2C move that Canadiens fans have been waiting for, as Veleno will likely slot into a role on the fourth line, and with the untapped potential that he's shown thus far, it's safe to say that this is a very good signing for the Canadiens.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: