The 20-year-old defenseman made the most of his 20:53 of action against the Devils, chipping in offensively by scoring the Habs' first goal and registering three shots while posting a plus-1 differential.

Video: NJD@MTL: Mete crashes the net for one-timer

It was the kind of start Mete was looking for in his first taste of NHL action since his rookie campaign in 2017-18 was cut short after he suffered a fractured finger in early March.

But, he did manage to make the Canadiens' roster out of training camp and suit up for 49 games last year, which has him feeling especially comfortable in his surroundings this time around.

"I think I'm a little bit more relaxed this year because I have a year under my belt and I kind of know what to expect from players," said Mete, the Habs' fourth-round pick, 100th overall, in 2016. "I'm just playing my game and doing everything I can to stay up here. I just feel more comfortable playing with these guys. I know what they're all about."

One of those players Mete is referencing is fellow young gun Noah Juulsen. The two have been paired together during training camp practices and played alongside one another in the victory over New Jersey.

"We had a lot of good fourth-man-in on defense. I thought we kind of both read off each other and we know when one guy is going to go in," explained Mete, on the subject of his 21-year-old defense partner. "I think he's really poised with the puck. He talks a lot, so I know what he's going to do and where he's going to be. He has good hockey sense. He's really easy to play with."

Mete is also wholeheartedly embracing the way the Canadiens' coaching staff would like their defensemen to go about their business this season.

"[Claude Julien's] message is clear. When you get the puck, don't go back, go forward. I think that helps a lot with good skaters because you don't have to sit back and look for plays. You're going forward and you're in their end most of the time," explained Mete, who averaged 15:35 of ice time per game last season. "Their defensemen are going to tire out and you'll have more offensive chances."

During his postgame press conference, Julien expressed his appreciation for the defensive duo and expanded upon Mete's qualities as well.

"Both are showing a lot of composure. I think they have a lot of confidence," praised Julien. "Victor has always been a very confident guy. That's why he made the team last year. He came on board with no pressure. He did what he had to do. By the time camp was over, he was a part of our team. He had a busy summer last year, too. This year, he could rest and he came here in good shape. We're seeing a guy who's well-rested with a lot of confidence."

Video: Victor Mete demos his offseason workout routine