The Daily: Joe Veleno 3-point Game Helps End Griffins’ Winless Slump

The Detroit Red Wings sent Joe Veleno to the Grand Rapids Griffins to give them a lift. He has done exactly that.

Veleno produced a shorthanded goal and two assists to give the Griffins a 5-3 win against the Ontario Reign Saturday in Grand Rapids. The win ended the Griffins’ seven-game winless slump. Veleno has two goals and two assists in his two games with the Griffins.

The Red Wings told Veleno he was going to Grand Rapids for the weekend. That suggests he will be back with the Red Wings in time for Tuesday’s practice. The Detroit squad will be in Philadelphia for a game Wednesday night.

Veleno played on a line with top Red Wings’ prospect Jonatan Berggren. He also scored against the Reign. It was his first tally in seven games. Berggren also picked up an assist playing alongside Veleno on Friday. That was his first point in six games.

After the first game in Grand Rapids, Veleno said the pace of the AHL seems slower now.

“There’s obviously nothing like the NHL,” Veleno said Friday night. “I did feel a lot more comfortable and way more poise. I felt like I had a lot more time to make plays and look for plays. You do notice the difference between the NHL and coming down here to the American League.”

Trade Rumor

Montreal: Carey Price isn’t going anywhere. Who knows what will happen in the future,  but this season, he’s sticking with the Montreal Canadiens.

Around the NHL

Detroit: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin finished second-to-last in the fastest skater competition at the NHL Skills Competion in Las Vegas . Also, Joe Veleno talked about going back to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins have a poor history of deals around the All-Star Game. However, the Penguins’ NHL trade dealings through the years have had bad karma.

Calgary: Canucks GM Jim Rutherford reportedly has Conor Garland and a few others on the trade block. Before the All-Star break, scouts packed the Calgary Flames press box.

Vegas: All eyes will be on Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon in the coming week. He has to figure out how to make salary cap room for Jack Eichel. Vegas Golden Knights have to make a trade. That could erode their depth.