In Red Wings Land

Taking Flight – From the ‘Q’ to the ‘D’ | DetroitRedWings.com

It doesn’t seem like it was almost a year ago that I was drafted by the Red Wings. Being part of the Red Wings has really influenced my game, not in the sense of getting a lot of points but in playing the game the right way, focusing on little things that will be important at the next level, because I think everyone that watches me play, even Detroit, they would notice that the skill is only as good if you work hard and that’s when your skill makes plays by working hard.

Joe Veleno wrote his latest blog entry for the Red Wings’ website. I particularly liked his paragraphs about becoming more of a complete player. He said he has been taking advice from Dan Cleary and Shawn Horcoff and applying it to his game during the season. This kid is going to end up being a steal for the Wings. It’s pretty wild that he fell all the way to #30.

Veleno also touches on the QMJHL playoffs and his upcoming showdown with another Wings draft pick, defenseman Jared McIsaac. Plus, his experience meeting Ted Lindsay at development camp.

Around the League

Seattle NHL arena not expected to open until middle of 2021 | Associated Press

Team President Tod Leiweke said Thursday the delay could end up affecting some other plans for the franchise, including the hopes of hosting the 2021 NHL draft. After being awarded the league’s 32nd team last December, Seattle officials were hoping to have the building open by early spring 2021, but design delays and a change in general contractors has delayed the project.

It would be cool if the Seattle Kraken/Sockeyes/Sasquatch/whatever they’re called got to host the expansion draft and the NHL draft prior to their inaugural season. If not, at least the rink will be ready to go before the puck drop on their first opening night.