Detroit – There were quite a few players in Joe Veleno’s age and experience range who didn’t have an opportunity to play hockey this winter.
So the fact Veleno went through an entire Swedish Hockey League season – the Red Wings loaned the 2018 first-round pick to Malmo in October – makes Veleno thankful in a variety of ways.
The hockey, the life experience in Sweden and getting to play a different brand of hockey.
For a 21-year-old awaiting his first shot in the NHL, it was a tremendous learning tool.
“I enjoyed it a lot, it was a real good experience,” said Veleno, who is in quarantine until Sunday, having returned from Sweden a week ago.