Joe Veleno earns major promotion from Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are going to have to continue their push toward the playoffs without captain Dylan Larkin, who will be unavailable for the next two weeks' worth of games after he suffered a lower body injury in Saturday afternoon's setback against the Florida Panthers at Little Caesars Arena. 

And as Red Wings fans wait to see whether or not GM Steve Yzerman will be acquiring a forward by Friday afternoon's NHL Trade Deadline to help offset the loss of Larkin, Detroit must play on, as the schedule doesn't pause to allow injured players to heal. 

And taking Larkin's place on the top line flanked by Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane is none other than Joe Veleno, who is enjoying a strong season in what is a contract year for him.

“I still want to play my game and what’s given me success,” Veleno said. “Obviously, they’re two highly skilled players that demand the puck and want the puck, so I’m definitely going to try to be strong on pucks, win some battles. Definitely try to make them play with the puck like they want to. Just going to try to help them out in any way I can contribute.”

“Just going to keep building and playing the right way,” he continued. “Try to earn as much trust as I can get.”

With 11 goals and 15 assists in 56 games played so far this season, Veleno has already established career highs in both categories. 

“He’s always had the pop in his skating,” head coach Derek Lalonde said. “Needs to be a little more assertive with the puck. I think what’s really impressive this year is that last year he started to tail off towards the second half of the season. That has not been the case. That’s a credit to him and his growth.”

According to MLive's Ansar Khan, Detroit's line combinations for tonight's game against the Colorado Avalanche are as follows: 

Alex DeBrincat-Joe Veleno-Patrick Kane
Michael Rasmussen-J.T. Compher-Lucas Raymond
Klin Kostin-Andrew Copp-Daniel Sprong
Robby Fabbri-Christian Fischer-David Perron

Jake Walman-Mortiz Seider
Ben Chiarot-Jeff Petry
Olli Maatta-Shayne Gostisbehere

Alex Lyon will get the nod between the pipes.

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