Joe Veleno gets brutally honest after being scratched again by Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde has designated underperforming forward Joe Veleno a healthy scratch now multiple times this year.
The Detroit Red Wings have far too many underperforming players, and it's resulted in multiple losses that have caused them to lose valuable points in the standings and ground in both the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division.
And once again, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde sent a stern message to the struggling Joe Veleno that his performance hasn't been good enough.
He was once again designated a healthy scratch, marking multiple times this year that he's watched his teammates on the ice from above in the press area.
He knows that it was a wakeup call and a clear signal that he's got to up his game, or else.
You don't want it to be you. But it was a wake-up call, for sure.
Veleno has managed just a goal with an assist in 24 games.
Is this Joe Veleno's final chance with the Red Wings?
A Round 1 pick of the Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft (pick acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Tomas Tatar trade), Veleno has not panned out with the kind of production expected of an opening round.
He had career-bests of 12 goals and 16 assists last year, and the hope was that he'd be able to build upon that; it hasn't happened.
He's also without a contract for next year, and GM Steve Yzerman could decide to let him seek other opportunities with another club if he can't pick up his offensive game.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 10 | 231 ANSWERS Joe Veleno gets brutally honest after being scratched again by Detroit Red Wings Will the Red Wings bring back Joe Veleno for another year? | ||
| Yes, Steve Yzerman will offer him a new deal | 25 | 10.8 % |
| No, he's too underwhelming and will be cut loose | 206 | 89.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
