“That’s an awful overpay” “Another common Yzerman L”: NHL fans react to Detroit Red Wings re-signing Joe Veleno on a $4,550,000 deal

The Detroit Red Wings and RFA Joe Veleno avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year, $4.55 million deal. The new contract carries a $2.275 AAV, insider Elliotte Friedman confirms. While the news of the signing should be considered good, a number of fans have called it into question.

With that in mind, here’s a look at comments from fans unconvinced about Veleno re-signing with the Red Wings.

“That’s an awful overpay,” one fan commented.

“Another common Yzerman L,” this fan chimed in.

“Crazy overpay,” this fan posted on X.

However, not all fans voiced negative opinions about the deal. Other fans showed enthusiasm about the deal. So, let’s take a look at what these fans had to say about Joe Veleno’s new deal.

“Exceptional,” a fan opined.

“Not bad at all,” another fan weighed in.

“Good for Red Wings,” a fan posted.

With the contract in place, Joe Veleno is likely to be a key player in the Red Wings’ lineup next season. He’ll be called upon to improve on his 28 points last season. With an expanded role, Veleno could become a solid middle-six forward for the Red Wings.

Joe Veleno’s long-term role in Detroit

Veleno’s new deal opens up a number of questions regarding his long-term role in Detroit. Namely, does signing a new two-year deal mean Joe Veleno will play a key role on the Red Wings?

A piece by The Hockey News focused on Veleno’s versatility in the Wings’ lineup. While the 24-year-old is predominantly a bottom-six forward, his role as a third or fourth-line center gives Detroit flexibility when tinkering with their roster.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Veleno’s presence in the Detroit lineup is his ability to play in the top six when circumstances dictate the need. In particular, Veleno has slid into the top six at times when Dylan Larkin has been out with injuries.

This versatility is what makes the Canadian forward an interesting player to have in the lineup. It’s rare to find players who can play up and down the lineup with relative ease. For Detroit, this ability means having a Swiss army knife that can plug gaps whenever injuries arise.

Moving forward, it seems that Veleno will continue to play a predominant role in the bottom six. Nevertheless, he should continue anchoring the fourth line. Daily Faceoff projects Veleno centering the checking line with Christian Fischer and recently signed Tyler Motte.

Overall, the Wings expect Veleno to become a key contributor as the club looks to make the playoffs for the first time in several seasons.