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's presence has consistently reduced his line's effectiveness regardless of his position.
Could it be time to bring up someone like Lucas Condotta (who has had a cup of coffee in the league) or Jared Davidson from the Laval Rocket? Are we sure we can’t just sneak this guy into the lineup if we have him wear Veleno’s gear? — Matt Drake (@DrakeMT)
The Canadiens may soon need to introduce a forward who can improve upon Veleno's contributions. When playing alongside Kirby Dach and Zack Bolduc, Veleno hindered their offensive output.
Veleno's skillset, which was strong in the QMJHL, has not translated well to the professional level. As a result, he has been relegated to a more defensive role. Although his skill would fit a 4th line, he lacks the necessary work ethic for the demanding role of a hard-nosed forechecker.
Typically, a 4th liner excels through physical and aggressive play rather than finesse, which does not align with Veleno's style.
Author's summary: Joe Veleno’s limited impact and work ethic issues suggest the Canadiens should consider promoting a more suitable forward as a lineup upgrade.