Joe Veleno Struggles to Find His Role with the Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have started the season strong, currently holding third place in the NHL. However, not all players have met expectations. Joe Veleno, in particular, is facing challenges early in the campaign.
Veleno’s Position and Performance Issues
Veleno has yet to produce offensively in the first nine games, recording no points, just seven shots on goal, and a minus-3 rating. His discomfort playing on the wing is apparent and affects his overall contribution.
“He's a centerman. He's not a winger,” said Pierre McGuire on The Sick Podcast.
Montreal’s strategy, led by Martin St-Louis, involves using two centers on opposite sides of the fourth line. However, Veleno's effectiveness remains limited, exemplified by his 25% success rate (one-for-four) in recent face-offs.
Face-off Comparisons
- Joe Veleno: 25% face-off success rate
- Jake Evans: 58.3% (7 wins in 12 attempts) against the Devils
The Canadiens currently lack space for Veleno at center, which complicates his role on the team.
Author’s Summary
Joe Veleno's transition struggles highlight a misalignment with his position, underscoring the Canadiens' difficulty in effectively integrating him into their lineup.
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