The Toronto Maple Leafs could use more forward help, and one analyst urges them to take a flier on a young former first-round pick.
NHL analyst Gregory Babinski of 6ixonice urges the Maple Leafs to sign free agent forward Joe Veleno. Veleno became a free agent after his contract was bought out by the Seattle Kraken after they traded for him just days prior.
“Perhaps off of draft pedigree alone, Joe Veleno still has believers. But, he has accumulated a lot of experience through his early 20s,” Babinski wrote. “Given how competitive the center market has been, it is a bit surprising to see Veleno without much attention. His offensive totals seem to have stagnated, as has his icetime. But Veleno has continued to take on a more defensive role through his career.
“An issue might be that his face-off percentages have not been strong, and a lack of progress in this area is not ideal. Entering his age-26 season, Veleno is nearing an inflection point,” Babinski added. “He has been on weaker teams throughout his career and has often been out-chanced and outpossessed.”
Given that Veleno was bought out and hasn’t had a ton of interest, it would be a low-cost and low-risk move. Veleno can play on the wing or play center in the bottom six and add some youth and speed to the lineup.
Veleno was drafted 30th overall in 2018 by the Detroit Red Wings. He has played for the Chicago Blackhawks as well. In his NHL career, he’s skated in 306 games, recording 38 goals and 43 assists for 81 points.
Maple Leafs GM Open to Not Using All Their Cap Space
Toronto saw Mitch Marner leave this offseason, but has done a good job replacing him.
The Maple Leafs did acquire Mattias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth and got Nicolas Roy in the sign-and-trade. Although Toronto has a need for another top-six forward, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said the team is open to keeping some cap space into the season.
“We would’ve liked to use that earlier today. But if there’s not the right fit to use it on, we will take the flexibility,” Treliving said.
The Maple Leafs still could use another forward, but if Treliving doesn’t find one, he’s fine not using the cap space.
Toronto has just under $5 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia.
Multiple Teams Showing Interest in Veleno
Veleno was granted exceptional status in the QMJHL so he could play in the league at 15.
However, Veleno didn’t dominate the league as many thought and ended up being a late first-round pick. However, he still has been a good bottom-six forward in the NHL. With that, multiple teams have shown interest in him, according to Tony Marinaro.
“Contrary to reports, I have been told that the Canadiens did NOT make a formal contract offer to Joe Veleno,” Marinaro wrote. “Last week, Joe Veleno’s representation, had talks with at least 3 teams: Colorado, Montreal & Nashville. Told the Canadiens staff studied his game, discussed it & have decided to pass.”
Veleno won World Juniors gold with Canada in 2020.
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