NHL draft lottery and results announcement will be this coming Saturday. Time to break out the lucky charms for the Canes...
Lucky and the Canes are two words that never seem to go together. One interesting prospect hanging around that 12-13 area of the draft where the Canes are likely picking...Joe Veleno.
"Joseph Veleno is one of the most interesting prospects available in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Despite being awarded exceptional status by Hockey Canada prior to the 2015-16 QMJHL season, Veleno has yet to truly establish himself as an extraordinary prospect. While he has certainly shown flashes of brilliance, the native of Montreal, Quebec has — thus far — failed to overwhelm his opposition with his speed, skill, and offensive ability on a nightly basis.
Joe Veleno, Drummondville Voltigeurs
In fact, Veleno’s recent 2017-18 QMJHL campaign marked the first season in which the youngster was able to record more points than games played, a reality which has reinforced Veleno as a highly capable two-way player rather than an elite offensive performer at this point in time.
At the age of 18-years, however, there remains considerable room for improvement with regards to Veleno’s overall game. Strong on his skates, speedy, and of significant size, Veleno boasts all the tools of an elite NHL prospect, he simply needs greater time to combine his abilities.
After all, there is a reason why Veleno was able to accomplish a feat which the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon could not."