Should The Habs Bring Up A Replacement for Veleno?
Most of the Montreal Canadiens' forwards have performed solidly in their designated roles since Patrik Laine was sidelined long-term with a sports hernia after the sixth game of the season. However, Joe Veleno’s impact on any line he’s played with has been notably negative, lowering the group’s overall efficiency.
This prompts the question of whether it’s time to call up a player from the Laval Rocket — perhaps Lucas Condotta, who’s had a brief NHL appearance, or Jared Davidson — to replace Veleno and strengthen the forward unit.
“Are we sure we can’t just sneak this guy into the lineup if we have him wear Veleno’s gear?” — Matt Drake (@DrakeMT), November 8, 2025
The Canadiens seem to be reaching a point where an upgrade on Veleno is necessary. When he played alongside Kirby Dach and Zack Bolduc, his presence limited their offensive output. Veleno’s finesse-based skill set has not carried over effectively from the QMJHL to the professional level, leaving him more suited to a defensive role.
His abilities fit the profile of a fourth-line player, yet he appears to lack the gritty work ethic expected for that position. A typical fourth-liner thrives on physical forechecking and energy shifts, while Veleno’s more finesse-oriented approach doesn’t align with those demands.
Author’s Summary
The Canadiens may need to promote a tougher forward from Laval, as Joe Veleno’s finesse style and lack of edge haven’t meshed with Montreal’s bottom-line needs.