Joe Veleno's role with Canadiens comes into sharper focus

Nearly one-third into the season, there are numbers that jump out when discussing the evolution of Canadiens centre Joe Veleno.

One goal scored in 21 games. Minus-10.

But it has been a good week for Veleno, who is in his first season with Montreal.

Playing between Florian Xhekaj and Brendan Gallagher on Tuesday against Ottawa, he had four hits. One night later against Winnipeg, the Kirkland native had another four-hit game along with three shots. Veleno won eight of 10 faceoffs despite a modest 9:50 of ice time and found himself playing with different linemates — Jared Davidson and Zachary Bolduc.

Veleno also kills penalties and was on the ice against the Jets to begin the overtime period — a clear indication of the confidence head coach Martin St. Louis has in the 25-year-old.

“I’m just trying to put my best foot forward,” Veleno told The Gazette after Friday’s practice at the CN Sports Complex. “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.

“Coming into camp, I wanted to build myself more of an identity.”

Signed by the Canadiens to a one-year, US$900,000 contract in July after a season spent with Detroit and Chicago — followed by a June 21 trade to Seattle, which promptly bought him out — Veleno clearly was the 13th forward coming out of training camp and found himself a healthy scratch for the opening five games.

Injuries to Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine provided an opening, and Veleno has seized the opportunity. He has become a lightning rod at times for disgruntled fans on social media. Last week in Utah, for example, he lost track of his defensive assignment on Michael Carcone, resulting in a goal.

But St. Louis has provided Veleno, 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds, with plenty of rope.

“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 St. Louis added he’s not concerned by Veleno’s plus/minus differential, he quickly added: “You want to make sure it doesn’t get so far beyond that. But sometimes it’s not always a reflection of the play. Sometimes it’s just the way he’s utilized. But we keep an eye on it.”

Veleno scored his one and only goal on Nov. 20 vs. Washington during an 8-4 defeat. Coming nearly eight minutes into the second period, it reduced the Capitals’ lead to 3-2 at a time when the Canadiens still had a fighting chance.

Selected in the first round (30th overall) by Detroit in 2018, Veleno had visions of becoming an offensive force in the NHL, especially after he had 42 goals and 104 points during his final junior season with Drummondville. But it hasn’t gone according to plan. Veleno scored a career-high 12 goals and 28 points with the Red Wings in 2023-24.

He also has 48 hits — tied with Juraj Slafkovsky and Arber Xhekaj for the team lead — and stood up for Alexandre Carrier last month, . These things don’t go unnoticed by Veleno’s coaches and teammates.

“Even the last couple of games prior to this week, I’ve been feeling a little bit better with the puck,” Veleno 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 offence 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.

“I take pride in killing penalties. It’s a big part of the game — and it gets me more ice time,” he quipped. “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 with a game Saturday at Toronto (7 p.m., CBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) before hosting St. Louis Sunday night. St. Louis said Jakub Dobes will start in net against the Maple Leafs, with Samuel Montembeault “probably” facing the Blues.

Meanwhile, forward Josh Anderson (therapy day) didn’t practise on Friday.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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