Zachary L’Heureux was one of the prospects that really stood out in training camp and almost made the Nashville Predators because of it. His season started in the AHL, but was recalled and has now gotten into his first four games in the NHL.
L’Heureux isn’t making waves from the role he is playing in, but he is proving his range and that he not only belongs in the NHL, but deserves to stay for an extended period of time at the very least.
After his first game, head coach Andrew Brunette said, “I thought he was great. I thought his stick was really good. I thought he competed, made plays. It was fun to see him play and he fit in real well. Could’ve played him more.”
L’Heureux had 9:59 of ice time that game with 13 shifts, one shot, and four hits. He was on the fourth line with Michael McCarron and Cole Smith, so not much of an offensive opportunity. Fortunately, the rookie has the ability to play a physical game.
He already has 17 hits in his first four games and it took until just game three for L’Heureux to record his first point in the NHL.
Brunette talked about wanting to give L’Heureux more ice time because he earned it, but in the three games following his first game in the NHL, he only played above 10 minutes once. Without a doubt, L’Heureux’s best game of his young career came against the Columbus Blue Jackets where he logged 13:34 of ice time, an assist, and six hits.
L’Heureux only played his first season of professional hockey in the AHL last season and really impressed. He scored 19 goals and 48 points in 66 games during the regular season with his hard hitting style of play, but got the attention of everybody when he scored 10 goals and 15 points in 15 games in the Milwaukee Admirals’ playoff run.
Related: Podcast: Why Are the Predators Turning to Zachary L’Heureux?
L’Heureux should absolutely stay in the NHL, but I guarantee the team would like to see him get more opportunity and playing time eventually. Even though he can fit in on the fourth line for now, his blend of scoring and physicality is best suited for the third line at the very least. While the Predators could send him back down, it doesn’t seem to be trending in that direction and he can still grow by getting experience in the NHL.
Having L’Heureux come in and get into the lineup takes other young players in Philip Tomasino and Juuso Parssinen out. It’s not necessarily ideal, but does create competition and pushes all three of the players and the other depth pieces to earn their spot in the lineup every night. Seeing what L’Heureux is doing so far is a great sign of things to come.
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