Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde calls out underperforming Joe Veleno
Former Round 1 Draft selection Joe Veleno has been largely invisible for the Red Wings, and has been called out by Derek Lalonde for his lack of assertiveness.
Former Detroit Red Wings first-round draft selection Joe Veleno's performance this year can only be described as underwhelming at best.
He's scored just once and added a single assist for a grand total of two points with Thanksgiving just three days away.
Even more concerning for Veleno is that he's managed just a single shot in each of his last five combined games.
For a team that's ranked at the bottom of the NHL in 5-on-5 scoring, that's not cutting it.
Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde sent a message to Veleno by designating him a healthy scratch the last two games; he's in the lineup tonight against the Islanders due to the absence of Patrick Kane.
Before facing the Islanders, Lalonde explained that he wants to see more out of Veleno, who hasn't nearly been assertive enough in the games he's played.
I would expect getting him back in no matter what the scenario is with Kane and Ras.
The Detroit Red Wings traded popular forward Tomas Tatar to the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2018 Deadline, and received a first-round draft selection in return.
They selected Veleno with the 30th overall pick; but after a career-high 12 goals and 16 assists last year, he's been mostly a non-factor for the Red Wings this year.
He's playing on an expiring contract and hasn't done enough to warrant an extension from GM Steve Yzerman with only two points in nearly 20 games played.
| POLL | ||
Is the clock ticking on Joe Veleno's time with the Detroit Red Wings? | ||
| Yes, he should be signed to a new contract. | 26 | 19 % |
| No, let him go in free agency | 39 | 28.5 % |
| Trade him now! | 72 | 52.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
