2018 NHL Draft Profile – Joe Veleno
Joe Veleno, the first QMJHL player to earn exceptional status, finished his third season with 22 goals and 79 points. After winning a President’s Cup with Saint John and capturing gold with Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, Veleno split the 2017-18 campaign between the Sea Dogs and Drummondville Voltigeurs. He registered 16 goals, 32 assists and 48 points in 33 games with Drummondville and is the eighth-ranked player on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings.
Veleno describes himself as: Competitive, Driven, Intense, Skilled, Fast.
NHL Central Scouting says: Skilled offensive player with a strong work ethic – very good skater who uses his speed and quickness to create opportunities – smart player that plays both ends of the ice and supports his defense down low – composed game with puck and good vision to find open teammates – generates chances with his skating, smarts and skills – competes game in and game out – high character player who leads by example.