Detroit – When coach Jeff Blashill first saw forward Joe Veleno this training camp, Blashill admittedly was a bit more reserved than others in the front office.
Veleno was the Red Wings’ second first-round pick, after Filip Zadina. Veleno was picked 30th overall, a big drop for a player projected to go in the teens.
“For whatever reason he fell in the draft,” said Blashill after Wednesday’s morning skate. “I don’t know (why). I know drafting is extraordinarily hard and picking players is real hard, and sometimes that happens.
“I would say I was the most cautious (after seeing Veleno); I wasn’t totally sold right away.