NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman reports that Red Wings prospect Joe Veleno is nursing a minor injury as he battles for a spot on the Canadian World Junior selection camp team:
Joseph Veleno (Detroit Red Wings) has an injury that will keep him out against Finland on Thursday (9 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN2).
Veleno was scratched from Canada Red’s game against USA White on Tuesday. Canada coach Tim Hunter said he’s hopeful Veleno can play against Sweden on Friday (9 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN2).
“Joe’s got a bit of a nagging injury and he won’t play tomorrow, but we look to get him into the game against Sweden,” Hunter said. “Just give him a little more time to feel comfortable. Today we didn’t go on the ice, we had a team-building function. … He’ll probably get a little twirl on the ice tomorrow. We only have a half-hour, see how it goes, see if he can play against Sweden.”
Canada plays its final game against the United States on Saturday (5 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN).
“I don’t know if we’ve ever really seen Joe’s best game,” Hunter said. “He’s kind of been so-so. Been a lot of expectations on him. We just want to him to play relaxed and be himself out there, especially in this environment. No pressure, just go out and be yourself, have fun and play see what you can do.”
