The New York Rangers have signed forward Joe Veleno to a one-year contract with an average annual value of $1.2 million, according to a league source. The signing addresses the team's need for depth at the center position, with Veleno projected to play on the fourth line in the upcoming season.
Veleno, 26, spent the first five seasons of his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings before being traded twice during the 2024-25 season, first to Chicago and then to Seattle. The Kraken subsequently bought out the remaining year of his contract. He then signed a one-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens last summer.
In 61 regular-season games for Montreal during the 2025-26 campaign, Veleno recorded five points, including two goals and three assists. He also appeared in nine playoff games for the Canadiens, tallying one assist as the team was eliminated in the conference final. Veleno concluded the season on a 43-game goal drought and was not tendered a qualifying offer by Montreal, making him an unrestricted free agent.