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The Impact That Joe Veleno Has On the Team

Originally posted on The Sick Podcast | By Nick Lariviere | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 7:14 PM ET

Even though Joe Veleno played a quieter game on Tuesday night as opposed to his game on Saturday, the Montreal native has proven that he truly belongs in the NHL for this upcoming season by doing a lot of the little things right.

On Tuesday, he played on the wing of Owen Beck alongside Patrik Laine. The line didn’t connect very well, but Veleno was still able to show strong 2-way play that helped the defense have an easier game overall. Some nights, he will look very quiet but that doesn’t mean that he’s not doing his job as a bottom-six forward. Veleno has some offense to his game, but that’s not where his impact will be most felt.

Veleno may be hot and cold when it comes to taking faceoffs, but just having a somewhat reliable left-handed centre to take faceoffs is incredibly important, as aside from him and Alex Newhook, all the centres on the roster are right-handed. Even at that, Newhook may be better suited as a winger. With that being said, he’s the only real left-handed centre on the team. Unlike Newhook, who plays a good, speedy game anywhere on the ice, Veleno seems to have his struggles along the wing throughout Training Camp, as he seems to play a better game when he can control the puck up the middle of the ice. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be hard to convert him to the wing if needed

As it stands, there is no way the Habs could realistically send Veleno on waivers over the next week or so. At this point, there is probably no chance that he passes through waivers because, as a versatile bottom-six centre any team can use a depth piece like him on their roster.

At 25 years old, his development years are pretty much behind him, and he’s now a veteran who can bring his 308 NHL games to the table for a young team that needs veterans on its roster, like the Canadiens. He may not play every game, as guys like Florian Xhekaj and Oliver Kapanen are young guys who are proving that they should play in the NHL this season, thus far.

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When in the lineup, the Canadiens should definitely consider using Veleno as a penalty killer, because not only does his faceoff play come into effect, but he has good defensive awareness that can help the loss of Christian Dvorak hurt less.

As for his offensive game, it is pretty limited, but he has the potential to put up about 10 goals and 25-30 points on a 4th line if needed.

Whether Veleno is used as the team’s 12th or 13th forward, he should be able to handle his role well throughout the year. The 25-year-old will be looking to prove that he can continue to have a career in the NHL. This year could be his last chance, and he hasn’t disappointed so far in Training Camp.

What are your impressions of Joe Veleno during Training Camp?

This article first appeared on The Sick Podcast and was syndicated with permission.

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