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Two-part contract for Joe Veleno: Tony Marinaro opens the door

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 10:13 AM ET

When the free-agent market opened up, it didn’t take long for Québécois Joe Veleno to be linked with the Canadiens. But that was over two weeks ago.

The Habs were once among the favorites to sign him(which could help the club in the face-off circle), but last we heard, it looked like the Veleno option was one to forget.

After all, nine days ago, Tony Marinaro said the Habs had abandoned plans to sign Veleno.

How much can things change in the case of the center-forward, whose market is certainly not developing as he had anticipated at the beginning of July?

It’s a good question.

On this subject, Tony Marinaro published a tweet about the centerfielder overnight. And according to the radio and Sick Podcast host, at this point, you’d think he’d be ready to sign a two-way deal.

According to Marinaro, if that happens, it could open up the market for Veleno, and teams that weren’t interested before could become so.

Joe Veleno: 6ft1 25yr old Center. Untapped potential. Likely min. $. Yet, here we are mid July & he’s still not signed.

At this point u’d think he’d be willing to sign a 2 way contract. If so, I’d think that many teams who weren’t initially interested would be
interested now

– Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) July 16, 2025

As Marinaro points out, a center of his size and talent would normally attract attention on the market – especially if he ends up signing a two-way contract.

When will he sign? We’ll have to wait and see.

Under the circumstances, we have to wonder whether the possibility of signing a two-part contract would bring the Canadiens back into the race. It’s hard to say, just off the top of my head.

But on paper, it looks like an interesting deal for the Habs, who are looking for reinforcements at center.

overtime

– Really?

First and foremost, there’s a job to be done on the field. https://t.co/zr7eJF4Mcd

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) July 16, 2025

– Nice.

Alex Carrier at the LSHL exhibition game tonight pic.twitter.com/Q8eSZS2RVY

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) July 16, 2025

– Where will he go?

Chris Johnston: Re Bowen Byram: The other problem is…a team trading for him can’t sign him until next July 1st; I do believe there are places he’s signalled he’d be open to [extending] – Off The Post

– NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 16, 2025

– Demidovs enjoy Quebec.