Veleno Wants to Play More Prickly Next Season (+)

In NHL dressing rooms, pep talks between teammates can’t always include “attaboys” and pats on the back. Andrew Copp and Joe Veleno occasionally had tough love discussions this season.

“I thought Joe took massive steps this year,” Copp said. “I think he was a guy that maybe I was a little hard on in the beginning because you see the talent, you see the skating ability, you see his frame, you see his skill level. It’s all there.”

Veleno scored nine goals this season, mostly in a bottom six forward role. The Red Wings still want more from Veleno, particularly when it comes to consistency.