The Free Press’s Helene St. James and MLive’s Ansar Khan both published articles discussing Red Wings prospect Joe Veleno’s chances of making the Red Wings’ roster this morning.
St. James’ subscriber-only article is blunt in its assessment of Veleno’s opportunities:
Veleno has gained strength and experience over the past year and a half, using a long layoff forced by the COVID-19 pandemic to spend extra time in the gym. He’s 6 feet 1, 206 pounds, and able to hold his own on the ice. He’s a natural center but has the versatility to play wing. If he’s not on the opening roster, he’ll be in Detroit soon.
“He’s making his way to being close to NHL ready,” Blashill said. “I think there’s a lot of guys that are kind of in that mix. It’s that next step that’s probably more important — not being NHL ready but ready to help an NHL team be way better. That’s what we’re looking for — how do you help the Detroit Red Wings be a way better team, now just how can you make our team.
“Is Joe taking steps in the right direction? 100%. He’s worked his tail off over two years to change his body. He’s bought into being really good on the D-side of the puck. So then it depends where he would potentially fit in. Is he better than other guys? All that stuff comes into it. But he’s taking steps in the right direction.”
Injuries always play into decisions, and both Michael Rasmussen and Givani Smith, who will either be on the roster or on injured reserve, are dealing with undisclosed ailments. Lucas Raymond, a first-round pick from 2020, has done everything in his power to show he should be in the lineup. Veteran Bobby Ryan is expected to receive a contract.
And MLive’s Khan continues the narrative:
Veleno, 21, is waiver-exempt, which could play a significant role in the Red Wings’ decision. They can send him to the Grand Rapids Griffins without risk of losing him.
Veleno didn’t look out of place during a five-game NHL stint at the end of last season but could be caught in a numbers crunch.
Mitchell Stephens, acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay, appears to be the leading candidate for the fourth-line center spot. Veterans Sam Gagner and Carter Rowney and young Givani Smith, who no longer is waiver-exempt, also are in the mix for fourth-line spots on the wing.
The Red Wings won’t keep Veleno around as an extra forward or if he isn’t getting decent ice time.
Veleno isn’t fretting about what might happen.
“I try to leave the distractions out of my head and kind focus on playing hockey and have some fun with it,” he said. “Work as hard as I can and see what kind of outcome happens. It’s definitely tough, especially in the preseason. You want to make the best impression, you want to limit mistakes, play the right way, earn the coaches’ trust. Obviously, chip in offensively.”
Being Waiver exempt will help decide who goes to GR, it happens to younger generation.
Unless you can walk on water, say like Raymond, he certainly going to make Wings Mgmt sweat to send him down..
The good part Raymond seems to have a good attitude. I think if he is sent down he will work even harder. Nice problem for Wings to have (other cream of the crop included).
Lucas, Joe and a few others will be in the NHL sometime. Tough to stop these kids who will always work hard throughout there careers.
Raymond and Veleno may not start the season on the Red Wings’ roster, but I have a feeling that, before all is said and done for this season, they’ll make their presences felt.
I agree! StevieY may have to make some room for these kinds of prospects, at some point. Those two have down everything asked of them and more.
Quick note on Covid, every province has different rules, etc. Making a bit tougher on Bert. He may get across the border (fed Govt controlled) but what provinces with NHL teams are going give him some issues??
As of right now, the rules for cross-border travel prevent Bertuzzi from traveling to Canada, period. I’d imagine that he’d have a harder time in Ontario, B.C. and Alberta than Quebec or Manitoba, but for the present moment, there’s a blanket rule that states travelers from the U.S. must be vaccinated.