New York Rangers
· 2026-07-02
The New York Rangers signed free-agent center Joe Veleno to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, their first signing of NHL free agency.
Veleno had five points in 61 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season, averaging 12:05 of ice time in a bottom-six role.
The 26-year-old center is expected to serve as New York’s fourth-line center in 2026-27, filling a need after the team traded Adam Edstrom and let Jonny Brodzinski walk in free agency.
New York has openings in its bottom six, and Veleno could help in both areas, contributing on the penalty kill and adding speed to the team’s bottom six.
Veleno might not replicate Brodzinski’s offensive output, but he is a capable fourth-line option who grades out above average defensively and adds speed to New York’s bottom six.
The Rangers finished 16th in the Eastern Conference with a 34-39 record, on a W1 streak, and Veleno’s signing is expected to help the team get faster.
Veleno logged 93 minutes on the penalty kill and won a career-best 51.6 percent of draws with Montreal last season, but his production declined during the last two seasons, and he finished with a measly 3.8 shooting percentage in 2025-26.
Veleno ranked in the 90th percentile of all NHL skaters last season with a max skating speed of 23.18 miles per hour, according to NHL Edge.
The Rangers will likely get their money’s worth if Veleno can play a reliable fourth-line role, adding much-needed center depth.
And with Veleno’s signing, the Rangers have addressed a major need, but the team still has work to do to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference.
But for now, the focus is on Veleno and how he can contribute to the team’s success in 2026-27.
So the Rangers will be looking to Veleno to make an impact, and his speed and defensive capabilities will be key to the team’s bottom six.