New Canadiens Forward Joe Veleno Delivers Bold Statement to Coach Martin St-Louis: “I’m Here to Make an Impact”…Read More…
The Montreal Canadiens made waves this offseason with a strategic signing aimed at injecting depth, grit, and homegrown firepower into their roster. The acquisition of center Joe Veleno, a former Detroit Red Wings forward and native of Kirkland, Quebec, has already begun to reverberate through the team’s locker room—and beyond.
In his first official media appearance as a Hab, Veleno didn’t mince words when addressing his goals for the upcoming season. His message was pointed, confident, and impossible to ignore: “I’m here to make an impact. I want to prove that I belong—not just on this team, but as a core piece of the Canadiens’ future.”
That assertiveness was not lost on head coach Martin St-Louis, who watched the press conference closely from the Bell Centre.
“I love it,” St-Louis said when asked about Veleno’s comments. “That kind of fire, especially from a local kid who knows what it means to wear this sweater—it’s exactly what we want. Now it’s up to him to back it up on the ice.”
A Hometown Return with Something to Prove
For Veleno, 25, signing with Montreal wasn’t just another career move—it was personal. After several seasons of fluctuating ice time in Detroit and a few stints in Grand Rapids (AHL), the 2018 first-round pick found himself at a crossroads. The opportunity to return to Quebec and don the iconic bleu-blanc-rouge offered both a fresh start and a chance to fulfill the promise that once made him one of Canada’s most talked-about junior prospects.
“This isn’t just another jersey for me,” Veleno said. “This is home. I grew up watching the Habs. This is a dream—but it’s not enough to just be here. I want to earn my place, and I’m going to give everything I’ve got to help this team win.”
That hunger was exactly what Canadiens GM Kent Hughes cited as a key reason behind the signing.
“We see in Joe a player who hasn’t yet scratched the surface of his potential,” Hughes said. “His skating, his tenacity, and his versatility make him a great fit for our system—and being from Quebec, there’s a natural pride that comes with playing for this organization. That matters.”
Fighting for Ice Time
With a crowded forward group that includes Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Jake Evans, and a fast-developing group of wingers like Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Joshua Roy, earning meaningful minutes won’t be easy. Veleno, however, appears ready for the challenge.
“Competition is what makes you better,” he said. “I don’t expect anything to be handed to me. I want to earn my ice time by being reliable on both ends of the ice, by winning faceoffs, killing penalties, and bringing energy every shift. Whatever the team needs, I’ll do.”
St-Louis has shown a willingness to reward hardworking players regardless of their pedigree or contract status, and Veleno may find opportunities in a third-line center role or even on special teams if he can impress during training camp.
“I like guys who work their way up,” St-Louis noted. “That’s how I did it. And if Joe brings that chip on his shoulder into camp, he’ll force us to find a spot for him.”
Building Chemistry and Culture
Veleno’s arrival also comes at a time when the Canadiens are building a new locker room culture centered around resilience, accountability, and youthful energy. The core of Suzuki, Caufield, Dach, and Slafkovsky is young, but increasingly mature, and Veleno’s character-driven approach could be a seamless addition.
“I’ve talked to a few of the guys already—Nick, Cole,” Veleno said. “There’s a great vibe here. They’re building something special, and I want to be part of it. I want to contribute not just on the ice, but in the room as well.”
Veteran forward Brendan Gallagher, now a mentor figure in the locker room, praised the move and welcomed Veleno with open arms.
“You can tell Joe wants this,” Gallagher said. “That hunger is contagious. He’s coming in with the right attitude, and I think fans are going to love how he plays.”
Eyes on the Future
While Veleno’s contract is currently structured as a short-term, low-risk deal, both sides are hopeful it will blossom into a long-term relationship.
“This is a big year for me,” Veleno acknowledged. “I know what’s at stake. But I’m not putting pressure on myself to be a star overnight. I just want to play my game, stay consistent, and help this team in any way I can.”
If he does that, Montreal may have quietly pulled off one of the more valuable pickups of the offseason—a hungry, skilled, and motivated center entering his prime with something to prove and everything to gain.
As training camp looms in September, all eyes will be on Joe Veleno. And if his opening message to Coach St-Louis is any indication, he’s not coming just to fill a spot—he’s coming to claim one.
Fans Speak Out:
Many Habs fans took to social media after the signing, expressing cautious optimism.
“Always loved Joe’s game when he was with Team Canada,” one fan tweeted. “Maybe all he needed was a chance in the right system.”
Another added, “Local kid. Speed. Grit. Low cap hit. What’s not to like? Hope he proves everyone wrong.”
If he does, Joe Veleno might just become one of the feel-good stories of Montreal’s rebuild era.
Leave a Reply