The Athletic’s Max Bultman reflects upon Joe Veleno’s four-goal performance at the prospect tournament thus far, and what Veleno’s start may mean in terms of bolstering his case to make the Red Wings’ roster:
His first goal came on an instinctive play on which he stole a puck in the slot and deked Chicago’s goalie. It was probably the purest “goal-scorer’s goal” of them all. But the next three were arguably more significant because they all involved Veleno just letting the puck rip — whether that meant a one-timer, or off one quick touch in the slot.
“It’s something I’ve worked on a lot throughout the summer — staying (in Detroit), working on my shot and getting it off quicker,” Veleno said. “I have to give a lot of credit to the coaches who have been working with me and showing me some good techniques with that. And obviously the players giving me the puck and seeing me in open areas at the right time.”
Two games in September isn’t enough to determine anything definitive about the growth of that part of his game, but an improved shot would be a boon to the 19-year-old’s chances at mounting a credible roster campaign when the Red Wings begin training camp this weekend.
Continued (paywall); as Bultman suggests, Veleno’s probably going to start the year in Grand Rapids.
