I dunno, Veleno is already frustrating me, lol.
You are right in that Helm's first season is comparable age wise to Veleno season this year. At the same time, Helm played in the playoffs for the Wings that year, and I don't see Veleno progressing to the level that he would be allowed to suit up for a playoff game for a Cup contender, much less one coached by Babcock. Helm can't finish, but he was great defensively before his back injuries.
Veleno has better puck skills but Helm had more speed and was better defensively. But in the end, Veleno is going to fill in that role is all I was saying. And Helm did pot a few goals, he just had a low percentage, but lots of opportunities because of his speed.
That is actually one thing I will miss about Helm. That Charlie Brown feeling every time Helm gets a breakaway then flubs the puck, lol.