Something truly unexpected unfolded on the ice in Brossard today, sending a wave of excitement through the Montreal Canadiens fanbase and the broader hockey world. As the city buzzes with anticipation ahead of the Canadiens’ 2025 development camp, all eyes were already on Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov—two of the most talked-about names in Montreal—who wasted no time getting back to work after the NHL Draft. But what happened next turned a routine summer skate into a moment that could have major implications for the team’s future.

Observers and reporters alike were left stunned as a new face joined Suzuki and Demidov for an impromptu training session, igniting speculation and chatter across social media. The timing could not have been more dramatic, coming just hours after a major contract buyout and a surprising roster move elsewhere in the league. The presence of this unexpected player—whose recent journey through the NHL has been nothing short of eventful—has left fans and analysts alike wondering what this could mean for the Canadiens’ plans moving forward. Could this be the first hint of a bold new direction for Montreal? Stay tuned as the story develops.

Photo credit: TVA Sports

We have an intriguing development live from Brossard, as Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov just hit the ice.

Just hours before the start of the Montreal Canadiens’ 2025 development camp – and shortly after this year’s NHL Draft – Suzuki and Demidov are already back to work and currently training on the ice in Brossard.

Where things get really interesting is when you realize they’re joined by a special guest.

Center Joe Veleno is on the ice in Brossard with Montreal Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov

You can imagine the buzz, especially since Joe Veleno’s contract was just bought out and he was recently placed on NHL waivers.

He has quite literally just become suddenly available.

“The Seattle Kraken have placed Joe Veleno on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a contract buyout.”

– Seattle Kraken

He ultimately went unclaimed, and as of today, his contract has been officially bought out by Seattle.

Check out the footage, as reported by TVA Sports.

Joe Veleno, 25 years old, recorded 17 points in 74 games this season with the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks.

He was earning 2.275 million per year through 2026.

Veleno was the 30th overall pick (1st round) of the 2018 NHL Draft and was just recently traded from the Blackhawks to the Seattle Kraken in the Andre Burakovsky deal.

Do you think he could be a solid depth signing for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton?

More details to follow.