DALLAS (WXYZ) -- The Detroit Red Wings selected center Joe Veleno with the 30th overall pick in the NHL Draft.
Veleno, ranked eighth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, spent last season with Saint John and Drummondville of the QMJHL. He had 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 31 games with Saint John before being traded to Drummondville, where he had 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in 33 games. Veleno added 11 points (five goals, six assists) in ten playoff games with Drummondville.
According to NHL.com's draft analysis, Veleno "skates well, is aggressive on the attack, and plays with confidence."
As of the end of day one, the Red Wings have nine remaining picks in rounds two through seven.
