Among the Hockey News’s Sam Stockton’s game-day notes:
After the non-game group practiced this afternoon, Joe Veleno gave a reflective interview on his path toward personal growth and the threshold between being an up-and-comer and an established pro in the modern NHL.
When asked where he’d like to grow his own game heading into his third full season of pro hockey, Veleno responded, “It’s being in better spots on the ice, being in better positions in the offensive zone, getting to those hard areas, getting a couple of those extra goals in front of the net. And obviously, you don’t want to cheat the game…I definitely want to be on the right side of the puck and strong defensively. Being good defensively that’ll transition to more touches with the puck offensively.”
It’s a similar message to one David Perron offered earlier in camp as advice for young players—that despite how it might sometimes seem, defensive solidity will feed the attacking game young players so often want to play.
While he wants to improve his productivity, Veleno is adamant that taking the next step for his game is less about lighting up the score sheet and instead more based on earning a greater role through 200-foot reliability.
“I had 20 points last year and would like to increase that total for sure,” Veleno said. “I definitely want to stick to my game and stick to the strengths of my game. I gotta take care of my own end first, being responsible defensively and kind of gaining that trust to be on the ice a lot more. And if I’m on the ice a lot more, I’ll get more chances.”
Continued; Veleno’s 23 and he’s on a 1-year, $850,000 deal. He’s in his “prove it” year, no doubt. With younger players with more offensive upside knocking on the door, Veleno needs to prove that he’s worth an NHL spot.
