Red Wings forward Joe Veleno scored two goals in last night’s preseason loss to Chicago, and Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen took note of Veleno’s remarks to the media regarding his attempts to revise and edit his game:
Veleno clearly understands he needs to increase his offensive production. But when he talked to the media Tuesday morning, it wasn’t about improving on last season’s 20 points. It was being a better all-around player.
“I think all areas of the game,” Veleno said. “I definitely want to take another step forward, improve on being better defensively. Obviously like to produce more than I did last year. Overall, just taking a bigger step in my overall game and being better in all situations.”
In other words, he’s not going to be less defensive to improve offensively . It’s about finding a balance.
“What I mean by producing more is just being in better spots on the ice, being in better positions in the offensive zone, getting to those hard areas and getting a couple of extra goals in front of the net,” Veleno said. “Obviously, I don’t want to cheat the game. By all means it’s not my style of game. I definitely want to be on the right side of the puck and being strong defensively. I guess being good defensively will transition to more touches with the puck. Being better in my zone will lead to better offense.”
When it comes to creating offense, Veleno’s plan is “getting more puck touches in general.” That’s probably the path to earning a move to a scoring line or some time on the power play. Veleno has the skill to accomplish those objectives.
Update: Here’s more from MLive’s Ansar Khan:
Veleno likely will start the season as the fourth-line center. Potential linemates include Klim Kostin and Christian Fischer, whom he has practiced with at times.
“I think we’re a pretty big line and can definitely use our size as an advantage,” Veleno said. “We also could bring a little bit of skill. Klimmer and Fisch … they got some hidden talent in there. We’re a line that can wear teams down in the offensive zone and cycle the puck and be strong on the puck.”
Like with all young players trying to establish themselves in the NHL, the 23-year-old Veleno must develop consistency.
“Joe had a real good camp last year and good start to the season,” Lalonde said. “Sometimes we ask so much of these young guys with where we are in our process with our organization — probably ask more of these guys than some other organizations — and I think you see a little tired play when you get to the middle or end of the season. It’s on (Veleno) to have a really good start and to sustain it.”