Rangers sign Joe Veleno to one-year deal after Montreal exit
The New York Rangers have signed forward Joe Veleno to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, according to David Pagnotta and Sportsnet's Eric Engels. The Montreal native becomes an unrestricted free agent after the Canadiens declined a qualifying offer, giving New York depth at center.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Veleno agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Rangers on July 1, 2026.
- Montreal did not extend a qualifying offer, making the 26-year-old forward a UFA.
- Veleno posted five points in 61 games with the Canadiens in 2025-26.
- The Canadiens retained eight other pending RFAs with qualifying offers on June 29.
- Veleno gets a fresh start with an Original Six club after a brief Montreal stint.
Why did the Canadiens let Joe Veleno walk?
On Monday night, Montreal chose not to issue Joe Veleno a qualifying offer, officially ending his brief tenure with the club. General manager Kent Hughes had submitted qualifying offers to eight other players on June 29, including forwards Kirby Dach, Zachary Bolduc, and Sean Farrell, but Veleno was not among them, as confirmed in the team's official NHL.com release.
That decision cleared the way for Veleno to explore the open market. According to Montreal Hockey Fanatics, he officially accepted the Rangers' offer on July 1. The Canadiens appear ready to move forward with a younger core rather than retain the former first-round pick.
What deal did the Rangers give Joe Veleno?
Pro Hockey Rumors reports that the Rangers are signing Veleno to a one-year contract worth $1.2 million. Tony Marinaro first reported the agreement, and Engels later confirmed the terms. It is a short-term pact for a 26-year-old forward looking for a new opportunity.
The structure gives New York flexibility at center and gives Veleno a platform to prove himself at the NHL level. For a player seeking a reset, a one-year deal can be a practical step toward career longevity and a second act in professional sports.
How did Veleno perform with Montreal last season?
Veleno's Montreal chapter was brief. Under Martin St. Louis, he recorded five points in 61 games in 2025-26, including two goals, while posting a minus-12 rating. Montreal Hockey Fanatics described his time with the organization as a short stay for the Quebec-born forward.
Now he joins a Rangers organization looking to add depth down the middle. For a Montreal-area native who spent only one season back home, the move to New York represents a change of scenery and a chance to take the next step in his NHL career.
What does this mean for both teams?
For the Rangers, Veleno adds center depth at a modest price on a one-year term. For Montreal, the departure frees roster space as Hughes continues reshaping the forward group around younger talent.
Whether a new city unlocks more production remains the central question for Veleno and the Rangers heading into the 2026-27 season.