Detroit Red Wings: Top 3 prospects that will make an impact next season

3. Joe Veleno

Joe Veleno fell far in the 2018 NHL Draft. I was floored that he fell all the way to the Red Wings at the 30th pick. Veleno was easily one of the top 20 players in the draft and he proved that with an impressive 2018-19 season.

However, his first professional season wasn’t all sunshines and rainbows. Veleno had 23 points in 54 games in the AHL, though it’s worth pointing out he was one of the league’s youngest players. He was very impressive during the World Juniors, as he was trusted with big minutes and was one of Canada’s most effective players.

Veleno is impressive on offense, but I’ve been quite impressed by his defense. It’s rare to see a forward so well-rounded as his age. But Veleno takes his defensive responsibilities as a center seriously. He proved this at the World Juniors, where he put up a point per game despite being drawing a lot of tough matchups.

Veleno will probably start the season in the AHL. However, I think he’s going to force the Red Wings’ hand by the end of next season. The Red Wings have been looking for a second-line center so they can have a nice one-two punch at the top of their lineup with Dylan Larkin and someone else. I’m willing to bet that “someone else” winds up being Veleno. And it could happen as soon as next season.