Montreal’s red-hot start hides a glaring flaw—and one name keeps coming up as the problem
The Montreal Canadiens may be flying high early this season, but not everyone is convinced the engine is firing on all cylinders. One analyst has ignited a firestorm by calling out a specific weak link: fourth-line centre Joe Veleno.
In a scathing column published on DansLesCoulisses, Charles-Alexis Brisebois didn’t mince words: “Right now, Veleno is a passenger.” While the Habs’ offense is clicking and the team is racking up wins, the fourth line remains a black hole of production—and Brisebois believes it’s time for a shake-up.
His solution? Call up Florian Xhekaj from Laval and bench Veleno immediately.
Xhekaj, younger brother of Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj, has been turning heads with the Rocket. More physical, more dynamic, and more impactful than ever, he’s the kind of player who can tilt the ice in just eight or nine minutes of play. Brisebois argues that inserting him into the lineup would not only energize the fourth line but also send a clear message: complacency won’t be tolerated.
“This isn’t about punishing Veleno,” Brisebois writes. “It’s about restoring internal pressure and rewarding performance.”
Fans seem to agree. Social media is buzzing with calls for Xhekaj—or even Jared Davidson—to get a shot. The idea of pairing the Xhekaj brothers on the same roster adds a compelling emotional layer to the debate, but the core argument remains tactical: the Canadiens need more bite from their bottom six.
With Montreal chasing consistency and playoff relevance, the question is no longer whether Veleno deserves to stay. It’s whether the Canadiens can afford to keep waiting for him to show up.