His surname literally means “the joy.” And rookie defenseman Maxime Lajoie is certainly that – a joy to watch six games into the Senators’ season.

Whether it’s notching a goal and an assist in his NHL debut with his parents in the seats or making sound defensive decisions, Lajoie is performing more like a crafty veteran rather than a 20-year-old one season removed from playing junior hockey.

Lajoie, who turns 21 Nov. 5, is off to the most productive start (four goals, three assists in six games) of any first-year Senators d-man in franchise history - heady numbers for a blueliner originally perceived to rank ninth or tenth on the organizational depth chart leading into training camp.

So, does Lajoie early success surprise you, Guy Boucher?

“Love to say yes, but no, that’s how he’s been since the first day we had him here,” explained the Sens head coach. “Right now we are seeing the development of a player who’s always had those attributes, the qualities of being calm with puck, ability to read open spaces, having terrific vision, able to slow the game down.”

Despite Boucher’s glowing comments, Lajoie still had to leap-frog Ben Harpur, Christian Wolanin, Christian Jaros and Andreas Englund during the preseason to earn a spot on the Senators defense.

Not only did Lajoie earn his keep, the 2016 fifth round selection averages 20:28 time-on-ice per game, fourth-most on the club. The Calgary resident skated a team high 23:19 versus the Flyers one week ago, and has played more than 21 minutes in three of his six games to date.

“Out of camp, I was just trying to make the team, and be here, stay here, as long as possible. I had a great opportunity and kind of just took it. I’m running with it right now. My confidence is really high,” Lajoie told the Sporting News after Monday’s 4-1 win over the Stars.

Lajoie’s confidence isn’t just high, it’s brimming, especially so when it comes to his offence. The six-foot-one, 183 pound defender not only sits second among rookie scorers - trailing injured Canucks forward Elias Pettersson by one point -- Lajoie ranks third behind teammate Thomas Chabot (8) and league-leader, Maple Leafs Morgan Rielly (13), in total points for all NHL defenseman.

This is pleasantly surprising to the Senators, considering Lajoie is almost halfway to his 15-point total (one goal, 14 assists) in 56 games with the team’s American League affiliate in 2017-18.

However, Lajoie proved in the past he could be a consistent point-producer, totaling 40-plus in two of his three full campaigns with the Swift Current Broncos.

“It’s kind of hard to explain. I’m not sure what’s going on right now,” said Lajoie. “I guess I’ve been in the right spot at the right time. Guys are making plays for me. It’s been nice.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been on a heater like this for a while. Even junior, it was maybe every second game (with points) or something like that. It’s a good feeling.”

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Senators netminder Craig Anderson is taking Lajoie under his wing. The youngster recently moved into Anderson’s Stittsville home. Anderson’s wife, Nicholle, and sons Jake and Levi, will continue to reside in Parkland, Florida during the season and visit periodically.

Like his coaches, Anderson is impressed with Lajoie’s play.

“He’s a quiet, confident guy,” offered Anderson. “He’s just going out and making plays. We tell the young guys, be yourself, make plays. Mistakes happen, make sure you work hard to make up for it.”

Living with Anderson, Lajoie is also learning a lot about life away from the rink, telling the Sporting News, “He’s helping me a lot, teaching me how to live by myself even more than last year. We’re going to maybe take a few cooking lessons this week. Maybe try to get some meals ready for dinner. It’s awesome to be at his house. He’s really a nice guy.”

Bon matin Gatineau! / Good morning, Gatineau! pic.twitter.com/aihVnNU1ww — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 17, 2018

In just a couple of weeks Lajoie and the Senators’ goalie have built up a camaraderie. With Ben Bishop pulled for a sixth attacker Monday and the Senators leading 3-1, Anderson attempted to launch a shot at the Stars’ empty net. The shot was blocked.

“He scared the s**t out of me. I did not think he was going to go for it, but it was pretty awesome to see,” laughed the wide-eyed youngster.

It remains to be seen if Lajoie can continue his torrid scoring pace from the back end, but one thing is for certain, the 20-year old is proving to be a permanent fixture on the Senators blue line.