As the NHL season approaches its one-third mark, the performance of Canadiens center Joe Veleno is coming into sharper focus. Veleno has scored just one goal in 21 games and carries a minus-10 rating. However, recent performances suggest he is finding his footing in his first season with Montreal.

In a game against Ottawa on Tuesday, Veleno played alongside Florian Xhekaj and Brendan Gallagher, recording four hits. The following night against Winnipeg, he matched that effort with another four hits and added three shots on goal. Despite limited ice time of 9:50, Veleno won eight of ten faceoffs and adapted to playing with different linemates, including Jared Davidson and Zachary Bolduc.

Veleno's role extends beyond offense; he is also a key player on the penalty kill. His presence on the ice during overtime against the Jets indicates the confidence head coach Martin St. Louis has in him. "I’m just trying to put my best foot forward," Veleno said after practice. "Playing my game. Being responsible defensively. Helping out on the penalty kill. Winning faceoffs. Trying to contribute offensively, although it hasn’t quite worked out as well. I’m just trying to simplify my game and play fast with a lot of energy and speed."

Veleno, who signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Canadiens in July, faced challenges early in the season. After being a healthy scratch for the first five games, injuries to teammates Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine opened the door for him to step into a more significant role. Despite some criticism from fans on social media, particularly after a defensive lapse led to a goal against in Utah, St. Louis has shown patience with Veleno.

"I feel like he got the chair, especially on our penalty kill," St. Louis said. "Is there more offensively in his game? Yeah. But I feel like the chair he’s playing in right now is to be detailed defensively, be physical. He still gets his (offensive) looks here and there, and you can tell he has offensive instincts. I think he’s focused a lot on the details defensively."

While Veleno's plus/minus rating is a concern, St. Louis noted that it does not always reflect a player's performance. Veleno scored his only goal of the season on November 20 against Washington, which came during an 8-4 loss. The goal reduced the Capitals' lead to 3-2, showcasing Veleno's potential to contribute offensively.

Drafted 30th overall by Detroit in 2018, Veleno had high hopes of becoming an offensive standout in the NHL. He recorded a career-high 12 goals and 28 points with the Red Wings last season. This year, he has also made his mark physically, leading the team with 48 hits, tied with Juraj Slafkovsky and Arber Xhekaj.

Veleno expressed a growing confidence in his game. "Even the last couple of games prior to this week, I’ve been feeling a little bit better with the puck," he said. "More confident. Building some energy and feeling good about myself. As long as the chances are coming and the rest of my game is pretty dialed in, the offense has to start clicking at a certain point. I’ve just got to stick with it while, obviously, understanding my role. I do the best with what I get. That’s all I can do."

He also emphasized the importance of his role on the penalty kill, stating, "I take pride in killing penalties. It’s a big part of the game — and it gets me more ice time. Our penalty kill has to be relied upon when we need big stops. Although it’s not as flashy as being on the power play, I think a lot of people understand the importance of it and how it can make a difference in a game."

The Canadiens have a busy weekend ahead, with a game scheduled against Toronto on Saturday and a home game against St. Louis on Sunday. St. Louis announced that Jakub Dobes will start in goal against the Maple Leafs, while Samuel Montembeault is expected to play against the Blues. Forward Josh Anderson did not practice on Friday due to a therapy day.