Joe Veleno is not comfortable on the wing
The Canadiens have started the season well, holding third place in the NHL standings. However, not every player has found their rhythm yet. One of those facing challenges is Joe Veleno, who seems to be struggling in his current role.
Veleno’s Role Dilemma
While the team awaits Patrik Laine’s return, questions have arisen about Veleno’s best position on the ice. Analyst Pierre McGuire commented:
“He's a centerman. He's not a winger.”
His current statistics highlight the issue. After nine games, Veleno has no points, has managed only seven shots, and carries a minus-3 rating. His discomfort on the wing appears to be affecting his confidence and overall impact.
Performance Comparison
Coach Martin St-Louis’ tactic of placing two centers on the fourth line has a logical intent, but it hasn’t paid off for Veleno yet. In the recent game, he won just one of four face-offs, a 25% success rate. In contrast, Jake Evans delivered a more solid performance, winning 58.3% of his draws (7 of 12) against the Devils.
For now, Veleno’s position remains uncertain. With no available spots at center, finding the right fit for the Montreal native poses a continuing challenge for the team’s management.
Author’s Summary
Joe Veleno’s early-season slump underscores his difficulty adapting to the wing as the Canadiens weigh their lineup choices for greater consistency.