Joe Veleno makes NHL playoff debut for Canadiens in Game 1

BUFFALO — Joe Veleno made his NHL playoff debut for the Canadiens on Wednesday night.

The Montreal native took the spot of veteran winger Brendan Gallagher in the lineup for Game 1 of the club’s second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres.

Veleno put up two goals and three assists across 61 games in his first season with the Canadiens in 2025-26.

Bruising defenceman Arber Xhekaj re-entered the fray at KeyBank Center after sitting Game 7 of Montreal’s opening-round victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning with Noah Dobson back from injury.

Jayden Struble took a seat for the Canadiens on the blue line.

The best-of-seven series continues Friday in Buffalo before switching to Montreal for Games 3 and 4.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2026.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press