Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff ponders whether Joe Veleno is a better fit at wing than center on this year’s Red Wings roster:
It’s not fourth line center or bust for Joe Veleno to make the Detroit Red Wings’ roster.
“There is a world where he is competing on the wing for sure,” Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “There is no doubt.”
Veleno probably helped his roster chances by coming to training camp bigger and stronger than he was last season. He seems more confident.
“Obviously there are unforeseen things like injuries,” Blashill said. “Let’s see where it goes. The biggest thing is he has to make a statement every time he’s on the ice that he’s going to make us better.”
Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman has made it clear that even prize rookies must earn their place. The Red Wings won’t hand a roster spot to a rookie and see what happens.
“It’s not about making our team,” Blashill said. “It’s about making our team better.”
