Veleno Granted Exceptional Status

It actually happened.

From the QMJHL website:

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Commissioner, Gilles Courteau was informed by Hockey Canada this afternoon that Joseph Veleno has been granted exceptional status and is eligible for the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft in Sherbrooke.

The 15-year old Veleno becomes the first player in QMJHL history to be granted exceptional status.

Just how “exceptional” Veleno is is up for debate. But most draft experts agree – he is the best player available in this year’s draft class. The Sea Dogs will pick first overall on Saturday, a pick that now appears poised to be quite historic.

Veleno had 16 goals and 36 assists in 41 games with the Lac St-Louis Lions this past season. He also had 10 points in six games with Team Quebec at the Canada Games.

Veleno was originally denied exceptional status, reportedly because he missed the deadline to apply. Reports began to surface over the past week that Hockey Canada was reconsidering the decision.

The 2000-born centre isn’t eligible for the NHL Draft until 2018.