DETROIT – Joe Veleno has seen players drafted with him (Filip Zadina) and after him (Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond) establish themselves in the NHL, and now he feels it is his turn.
The 21-year-old forward will return to the Detroit Red Wings lineup Saturday against the New York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m., Bally Sports Detroit), after missing three games with an injury, and is looking at his best opportunity yet to stay long-term.
“This is a big opportunity,” Veleno said. “I’ve had some chances in the past and this year to kind of showcase what I can do.
“I think I’ve built that confidence in some of the games. I’ve shown myself that I’m able to play at this level. I think it’s just bringing it every day and every single game, not taking any days off. I just got to prove it every single night.”
Veleno, the 30th pick in 2018, skated at wing on the second line, with Pius Suter and Zadina in practice.
Veleno has had three stints in Detroit but hasn’t played more than five consecutive games before being sent back to Grand Rapids or, in the latest case, getting injured. Now, with center Mitchell Stephens (lower-body injury) out until at least February, Veleno can gain traction.
“He’s got better hockey in him than what he’s played so far,” Blashill said. “He had the really good period against Toronto (Oct. 30) where he controlled the puck. I think he’s done a good job at times. When he has the puck on his stick, he can transport from one end to the other and control it. But I think there’s more there and I’m hoping we see that tomorrow night.”
Veleno has played nine games this season (two goals, one assist), moving up and down the lineup. He was drafted because of his offensive ability. Where he ultimately fits hasn’t been determined.
“I think he’s got the opportunity to play (top six) because he’s been accountable defensively, and he’s got enough skill to play up,” Blashill said. “Whether over a long period of time he produces to the level that you would see in a normal top-six role, we’ll see. I don’t know where his ceiling is. He doesn’t know where his ceiling is.
“But I think he’s a good-sized body, he’s strong. He’s got good skill and he’s been pretty accountable defensively. If he does those things, that earns you minutes, whatever line that is. Rather than get wrapped up in whether it’s top-six or bottom-six, a lot of times it’s fit with a line and then how productive that line can be.”
Veleno was disappointed to be sent down after the preseason. He realizes the need to be patient. His goal is to be a well-rounded player.
“I thought preseason I was pretty good, but the message was to be great and good enough wouldn’t have cut it,” Veleno said. “I definitely understood that going down to GR , and the only thing more I could do was perform in GR and hopefully get an opportunity coming up.”
Leddy faces former team
Defenseman Nick Leddy will face his former team for the first time on Saturday. He spent the past seven seasons with the Islanders before being traded to Detroit in July for a 2021 second-round pick and forward Richard Panik.
“He’s got a really good veteran presence to him,” Blashill said. “He’s really good with our younger players, or even our (older) players. He’s calm. He helps talk through situations with his partner, whoever he’s playing with. He’s a dynamic skater.
“We’re in a spot where we need him to be on top of his game every single night and he’s getting there. That consistency is critical. In our D corps, you’re not going to hide necessarily if you’re not having a good night. You got to make sure you’re on top of your game every night. That’s an area that can continue to improve, but I think he’s done a good job for us.”
Danny DeKeyser returned to practice Friday and is available Saturday. He missed the past four games while in COVID protocol.
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