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.

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