Should The Habs Bring Up A Replacement for Veleno?
The majority of the Montreal Canadiens' forwards have performed well in their roles since Patrik Laine suffered a long-term sports hernia injury after the sixth game of the season. However, Joe Veleno has consistently lowered the efficiency of any line he has been part of.
There is growing discussion about whether the Canadiens should promote a player like Lucas Condotta, who has had brief NHL experience, or Jared Davidson from the Laval Rocket. One fan even suggested disguising a new player in Veleno’s gear to sneak him into the lineup.
“It’s getting to the point where the Habs will need to add a new forward that can be an upgrade on Veleno, as when he was on a line with Kirby Dach and Zack Bolduc, he held them back offensively.”
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT), November 8, 2025
Veleno’s skill set hasn’t transitioned successfully from the QMJHL to the professional level, forcing him into a primarily defensive role. While his abilities might suit a 4th line position, he seems to lack the work ethic necessary for that role.
Typically, a fourth-liner excels through a tenacious forechecking style rather than finesse, which does not align well with Veleno’s style of play.
Summary: The Canadiens may need to replace Joe Veleno with a more effective forward, as his skill and work ethic have not met professional demands, especially for a 4th line role.