Veleno Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent After Contract Buyout
zachary Veleno, a native of Montreal, is now an unrestricted free agent after teh Seattle Kraken bought out the final year of his contract. The forward, who registered 17 points, including eight goals, in 74 games during the 2025 season, was traded to the Kraken by the Chicago Blackhawks on June 21st.
rumors of a potential return to his hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens, began circulating in early July when Veleno was spotted training with current Canadiens players Nick Suzuki, Alexandre Carrier, Jake evans, and Ivan Demidov at the team’s practice facility.
Veleno holds the distinction of being the frist and only Quebec-born hockey player to be granted exceptional status, allowing him to join the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) at the age of 15. He played five seasons in the QMJHL, split between the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Drummondville Voltigeurs, winning the President’s Cup with the Sea Dogs in the 2016-2017 season.
Drafted 30th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Veleno made his NHL debut in the 2020-2021 season. In 306 career NHL games, he has scored 38 goals and added 43 assists for a total of 81 points.
Podcast Recommendation:
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