Let's take a look at the Canadiens' top scorers this season.
At two spots we see Kaiden Guhle, who has played five games and has a defensive mandate. At one point we find Arber Csekaj (another defender with a defensive mandate) and Patrik Laine, who was having a terrible season before getting injured.
And without points this season: Owen Beck, Joshua Roy… and Joe Veleno. However, the first two haven't even played 10 games at the top this season.
Let's not forget that the Canadiens put Veleno in the stands this season and that Patrik Laine's health has changed in recent weeks.
And since the Habs don't need an extra forward, Veleno knows he won't be cut from the lineup.
Yes, Veleno Sometimes plays well on the ice. But very often we don't see him during the game. He doesn't contribute much to his club right now.
It also has a minus-5 differential. That's not great, but it's similar to Jake Evans (minus-8) and Josh Anderson (minus-5), who form a line with few offensive zone mandates.
We can't even say he's essential as a left-handed player who can get to the faceoff circle, since he doesn't necessarily get a lot of faceoffs… and he doesn't dominate as much as some of the regulars.
At 48.9% in a sample of 47 faceoffs, Veleno is currently well behind teammate Jake Evans (58.2%). Nick Suzuki (52.3%) and Oliver Kapanen (53.3%) also feel better than Veleno.
I understand that Kent Hughes wants to save some salary without having to get an extra raise. But if Florian Czekai takes Veleno out of the lineup, even for just one game, it will help put pressure on the Quebecers.
Because now Veleno is a passenger.
What if a potential Unicorn recall puts internal pressure on the team, activating the neutral fourth line with some good old-fashioned physical play… and motivating Arber in the process?
What are the Habs really risking?
after a while
– Worth noting.
– To read.
– Really.
