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 on any line has consistently lowered their efficiency.
Could it be time to bring up someone like Lucas Condotta, who has had a brief experience in the league, or Jared Davidson from the Laval Rocket? Are we sure we can't just sneak this guy into the lineup if he wears Veleno’s gear? — Matt Drake (@DrakeMT), November 8, 2025
The Canadiens face a growing need to add a forward who can outperform Veleno. When playing alongside Kirby Dach and Zack Bolduc, Veleno hindered their offensive output. His skill set, which was promising in the QMJHL, hasn't translated well at the professional level. Veleno has had to shift toward a more defensive role.
While his skill level may suit a 4th line, he lacks the work ethic typically required for this position. Such players usually focus on a gritty forechecking game rather than finesse, a style that doesn't match Veleno's approach.
Author's summary: The Canadiens need to consider replacing Veleno with a hard-working, gritty forward to boost their lineup's overall effectiveness.
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