Joe veleno Finds Defensive Niche with Canadiens, Future Remains Uncertain
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The Montreal Canadiens have found an unexpected, yet valuable, role for forward Joe Veleno, but his long-term future with the team remains contingent on continued defensive contributions and the return of other key players.
Originally drafted as a potential offensive star, Veleno has embraced a defensive-minded game in montreal, becoming a key component of the team’s bottom-six forward group. While not a game-breaker, his recent performance has impressed coaching staff and suggests a lasting path to NHL longevity.
From Offensive Prospect to Defensive Specialist
Veleno’s journey to the NHL has been well-documented. A former standout in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), he was selected in the first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. However, he struggled to translate that offensive success to the professional level, posting a career-high of 28 points in 80 games during the 2023-24 season. Across 351 NHL games, his scoring pace averages around 20 points per season.
Since joining the Canadiens last summer, offensive production has been scarce – just 4 points in 45 games. Despite generating scoring chances at a rate comparable to teammate Josh Anderson, the points haven’t materialized.
Though, Veleno has excelled in the defensive zone. Initially,his performance lagged,with a differential of -11 in mid-December.But as December 14th, he has demonstrably improved, allowing only three opponent goals at five-on-five in his last 19 games – the best mark among Canadiens’ regular forwards.
Elite defensive Metrics
The betterment isn’t just anecdotal. According to the specialist site Evolving Hockey, Veleno currently ranks in the 86th percentile of the NHL for defensive performance, factoring in both even-strength and penalty-killing contributions.
“He is excellent defensively. He brings a lot of pace and he has anticipation. There’s an attitude that comes with that, and that’s what it takes to be good defensively,” Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis stated.
This defensive prowess has been particularly evident alongside Jake Evans and Zachary Bolduc.The trio has shown promising indicators in puck possession and expected goals, consistently demonstrating a strong forecheck and extended time in the offensive zone – hallmarks of an effective fourth line.
Team-First Mentality
Veleno himself acknowledges the shift in his role and embraces the duty. “Of course I would like to produce more,” he admits. “We never go into a match telling ourselves that we want to block shots! But if you want to win and have a role in this league, you have to do the little details and sacrifice yourself offensively to be very sharp defensively.”
He believes that continued focus on defensive play will ultimately unlock his offensive potential, echoing the philosophy often repeated by St-Louis. Veleno also praised his chemistry with Evans, noting his teammate’s intelligence, puck-intercepting ability, and strong positioning. “he’s a really smart player,” Veleno said. “We know our role and we play simply, with a lot of rhythm, and we win battles. I really enjoy playing with him.”
Uncertain Future with Canadiens’ Roster Deepening
Despite his recent success, Veleno’s place in the lineup isn’t guaranteed. The impending return of alexandre Texier from a lower-body injury creates a surplus of attackers, potentially costing Veleno a spot in the team. Though, his consistent defensive contributions will undoubtedly make the coaching staff’s decision difficult.
Texier participated fully in Wednesday’s practice, demonstrating no limitations, though he skated with the reserves during line drills. Patrik Laine, recovering from sports hernia surgery, also participated in his third full practice, appearing fully recovered. the timeline for their return to game action remains unclear.
The Canadiens’ coaching staff faces a challenging decision as they navigate a crowded forward group, but Joe Veleno has proven he can contribute to a winning team, even if it’s not in the way originally envisioned.
