Joe Veleno Struggles to Find His Role with Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have started the season strongly, currently holding the third position in the NHL. However, some players, including Joe Veleno, have yet to reach their potential. Veleno is facing challenges early in the season, and questions arise about the best role for him as the team awaits Patrik Laine's return.
Position and Performance Issues
Analyst Pierre McGuire emphasizes that Veleno is naturally a centerman and does not feel comfortable playing on the wing. This discomfort is apparent in his current performance.
“He's a centerman. He's not a winger.”
— Pierre McGuire, The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro
Through nine games, Veleno has failed to register any points, with only seven shots on goal and a minus-3 rating. His lack of offensive contribution highlights the difficulty he is facing adapting to his role.
Face-Off Efficiency Comparison
Veleno’s face-off statistics have also been underwhelming. In a recent game, he managed to win only 25% of his face-offs (one out of four), which contrasts sharply with teammate Jake Evans, who achieved a 58.3% success rate (seven out of twelve) against the New Jersey Devils.
Coach Martin St-Louis has been experimenting with a strategy that places two centers on opposite wings on the fourth line, but so far, Veleno’s contributions have not been convincing in this setup.
Limited Opportunities at Center
A key issue remains the limited availability of center positions on the roster, making it difficult to find a suitable spot for Veleno in his natural role. This further complicates his chances to regain confidence and impact the game effectively.
Overall, while the Canadiens perform well as a team, Veleno's transition and adjustment period continue to be a concern.
Author’s Summary: Joe Veleno's uncomfortable transition to playing wing limits his impact, with his natural center role currently unavailable amidst the Canadiens' solid team start.