Joe Veleno Struggles to Find His Role with Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have started the season strong, currently ranking third in the NHL. However, not all players are meeting expectations, including Joe Veleno, who is facing a challenging beginning to the year.
Role Uncertainty for Veleno
As the team awaits Patrik Laine's return, the question arises about the best position for Veleno. Pierre McGuire weighed in on the discussion during The Sick Podcast:
“He's a centerman. He's not a winger.” – Pierre McGuire, The Sick Podcast
Veleno's discomfort on the wing negatively affects his performance, highlighting the need to define a clearer role for him.
Offensive Struggles
In nine games this season, Veleno has yet to score any points, registering only seven shots and a minus-3 plus-minus rating. His overall game reflects his uncertainty about playing on the wing.
Face-Off Comparison
The Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis has experimented with using two centers on different sides of the fourth line. However, yesterday Veleno's 25% face-off success rate (one for four) was underwhelming compared to Jake Evans' 58.3% efficiency (seven in twelve) against the Devils.
Challenges for the Montreal Native
Currently, Veleno’s main issue is the lack of available space for him at center on the roster, making his integration into the lineup difficult.
Summary: Joe Veleno's discomfort on the wing and limited offensive impact stem from unclear positioning and roster constraints, highlighting the need for a defined role to unlock his potential.