Joe Veleno Struggles to Find His Role with the Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are off to a strong start this NHL season, currently sitting third in the league. However, not all players have met expectations, including Joe Veleno, who is experiencing a challenging beginning to the year.
Veleno’s Position and Performance
Fans and analysts alike wonder what role Veleno should fill while waiting for Patrik Laine's return. According to Pierre McGuire on The Sick Podcast,
“He's a centerman. He's not a winger.”
Despite this clarification, Veleno has been playing on the wing and has struggled offensively.
Offensive Challenges
- Veleno has played nine games without recording any points.
- He has taken seven shots on goal and holds a minus-3 rating.
His discomfort on the wing negatively affects his overall play, as noted by Pierre McGuire.
Comparisons and Line Strategy
Coach Martin St-Louis employs a strategy of having two centers on opposite sides of the fourth line, which explains Veleno’s current positioning.
However, Veleno’s face-off work remains underwhelming; in a recent game, he won just one out of four face-offs (25%), while teammate Jake Evans was much more successful, winning 58.3% (7 out of 12) against the Devils.
Roster Challenges
The main issue for the Montreal-born player is the lack of available center positions on the team at the moment.
Author’s Summary
Joe Veleno’s uncertain role and limited offensive impact highlight the challenges he faces in fitting into the Canadiens’ lineup this season.