Veleno Signs Long-Term Deal with Canadiens

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Canadiens Ink Forward Alex Veleno to Contract

the Montreal Canadiens have reportedly reached an agreement on a new contract with forward Alex Veleno. The terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte friedman was the first to report the signing on Wednesday. Veleno, a 25-year-old center, brings a new dynamic to the Canadiens’ roster.

Veleno’s recent history includes a trade from the Detroit Red Wings to the Chicago Blackhawks.He was later acquired by Seattle before the agreement with Montreal.

Last season, Veleno played in 71 games split between the red Wings and Blackhawks. He posted a total of eight goals and 17 points during that period.

Prior to his moves, Veleno was playing out the final year of a two-year contract worth $4.55 million. This deal was originally signed when he was with the Detroit Red Wings.

His tenure with the red Wings spanned four and a half seasons. During his time in Detroit, Veleno achieved a career-high performance in the 2023-24 season, scoring 12 goals and accumulating 28 points.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What team has Alex Veleno agreed to a deal with?

  Alex Veleno has agreed to a deal with the montreal Canadiens.

• What position does alex Veleno play?

  What is the average annual value (AAV) of Michael Veleno’s new contract with the Canadiens?

  Contract Details & Financial Breakdown

  On July 16, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens secured a meaningful piece of their future, signing forward Michael Veleno to a six-year, $30 million contract extension. This deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $5 million. The contract includes a limited no-trade clause, granting Veleno some control over his destination should the Canadiens consider moving him.

  Contract Length: 6 years

  Total Value: $30 million

  Average Annual Value (AAV): $5 million

  No-Trade Clause: Limited (details undisclosed)

  Signing Date: July 16, 2025

  This extension avoids a potential arbitration case for Veleno, providing both player adn team with long-term stability. The canadiens clearly view Veleno as a core component of their rebuilding process.

  Veleno’s Impact on the Canadiens’ Forward Core

  Michael Veleno has steadily developed into a versatile and reliable player for Montreal. Initially drafted 31st overall in 2018, Veleno spent time honing his skills in the OHL and AHL before becoming a consistent NHL contributor.

  Here’s a breakdown of his key contributions:

  1. Two-Way Play: Veleno excels as a two-way forward, demonstrating strong defensive awareness and a willingness to backcheck. This makes him valuable in all situations.
  2. Penalty Killing: He’s become a key penalty killer for the Canadiens, consistently trusted in crucial defensive moments.
  3. Offensive Upside: While not a prolific goal scorer, Veleno possesses a good shot and playmaking ability, contributing consistently to offensive opportunities. His points per game have increased each season.
  4. Versatility: Capable of playing all three forward positions, Veleno provides Coach Martin St. Louis with valuable lineup flexibility.

  Analyzing the Canadiens’ roster & Cap Space

  The Veleno signing impacts the Canadiens’ overall cap situation. Prior to the extension, Montreal had significant cap space available, allowing them to make this move without sacrificing other key players.

  Current Cap Situation (July 16, 2025): Approximately $25 million remaining.

  Impact of Veleno’s Contract: Reduces available cap space to roughly $20 million.

  Future Roster Moves: This leaves room for potential additions via free agency or trade, especially on defense.

  The Canadiens’ front office has been praised for its disciplined approach to cap management, prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term gains. This Veleno deal aligns with that strategy.Key players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are already locked up long-term, and Veleno adds another cornerstone to the Canadiens’ core.

  Veleno’s Advancement Trajectory & Projections

  looking ahead,Veleno is projected to continue his upward trajectory. His work ethic and dedication to improvement are highly regarded within the Canadiens institution.

  Potential for Growth: Coaches believe Veleno can further refine his offensive game and become a consistent 20-goal scorer.

  Leadership Qualities: He’s demonstrated emerging leadership qualities, both on and off the ice.

  * Role on the Team: Expected to be a top-six forward, potentially playing on the first or second line.

  Comparable Contracts & Value Assessment

  to assess the fairness of Veleno’s $5 million AAV, it’s helpful to compare it to similar players.

  | Player | AAV | Contract length |

  |—————–|———-|—————–|

  | Jesper Bratt | $5.75M | 6 years |

  | Conor Garland | $4.9M | 5 years |

  | Jason Robertson | $7.8M | 4 years |

  Considering his age, potential, and two-way capabilities, Veleno’s contract appears to be a reasonable value for the canadiens. It avoids the risk of a significant raise through arbitration and provides long-term certainty. The Canadiens secured a valuable asset at a competitive price.

  Fan Reaction & Social Media Buzz

  The announcement of Veleno’s extension was met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from Canadiens fans. Social media platforms lit up with praise for the team’s decision. #VelenoExtension and #GoHabsGo were trending topics on Twitter. Fans expressed excitement about the future of the team and the prospect of watching Veleno develop into a star player.The strong fan support underscores the importance of retaining key players like Veleno.