The Predators have called up left winger Zachary L’Heureux from AHL Milwaukee, and line rushes indicate he’ll make his NHL debut tomorrow against the Bruins (per 102.5 The Game’s Nick Kieser). Alex Daugherty of the Tennessean was first to report the move, which doesn’t require a corresponding transaction with an open spot on the Preds’ 23-man roster. It appears he’s entering the lineup for Philip Tomasino, who’s headed to the press box after playing just 5:08 against the Red Wings on Saturday.
L’Heureux, 21, was the 27th overall pick in 2021. Most describe the 5’11”, 196-lb forward as an agitator, which might be a contender for hockey’s understatement of the year award. The Montreal native’s games played totals during his time in juniors with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats and Halifax Mooseheads consistently remained low due to multiple lengthy suspensions, and he wound up posting a whopping 197 PIMs in 66 games with Milwaukee last year in his first professional season.
However, that doesn’t take away from the legitimate upside in L’Heureux’s offensive game. After a 19-goal, 48-point regular season, L’Heureux led the AHL postseason in goals with 10 in just 15 games as the Admirals lost the Western Conference Final to Coachella Valley. He also led all rookies in overall scoring with 15 points.
He was also a legitimate scoring threat in juniors, totaling 190 points in 167 career QMJHL games. In February of this year, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler ranked L’Heureux sixth in Nashville’s prospect pool. He’s not cracking many league-wide Top 75 or Top 100 rankings, but he still carries great upside. He could be legitimately impactful in a fourth-line scenario long-term, even if his offensive game never pops at the NHL level.
L’Heureux is expected to suit up on a line with Michael McCarron and Cole Smith as the Preds look to record their first win of the season tomorrow and make progress in getting out of a 0-5-0 hole.
I thought the Preds as Cup contenders talk was a bit overblown, but…0-5?
Did they buy their own hype?
I’d put him on a higher line than that.
my thoughts exactly why put this kid in a spot where he is going to have a slim chance to succeed, watching him in person you can see he has more offensive upside to offer
putting him between these 2 clowns won’t change a thing, scratch one of McCarron and Smith and keep Tomasino in, I’m seriously getting sick of Brunette putting the kid in the dog house for no reason, he has way more upside than most of the rest of the players on the team
I’m leaning toward hoping Trotz fires his first coach in franchise history… the dude just ain’t got it. This year really is starting to show it, last year besides that run the preds were on they weren’t all that great. When Zito fired him after the end of the season that should have been a sign that he isn’t that great of a coach… do I call him The offensive John Hynes… bad coach who just keeps getting chances. Sure seems to be the case
my thoughts exactly why put this kid in a spot where he is going to have a slim chance to succeed, watching him in person you can see he has more offensive upside to offer
putting him between these 2 clowns won’t change a thing, scratch one of McCarron and Smith and keep Tomasino in, I’m seriously getting sick of Brunette putting the kid in the dog house for no reason, he has way more upside than most of the rest of the players on the team
I’m leaning toward hoping Trotz fires his first coach in franchise history… the dude just ain’t got it. This year really is starting to show it, last year besides that run the preds were on they weren’t all that great. When Zito fired him after the end of the season that should have been a sign that he isn’t that great of a coach… do I call him The offensive John Hynes… bad coach who just keeps getting chances. Sure seems to be the case.
You can say that again! ;D
But I agree. I was never in favor of hiring Bruno. He clearly has no idea what to do with the roster he now has. I’m sure Trotz has to know this as well. Karl Taylor should be coaching this group.
Wow, 5-6 games in and you want Brunette gone? Disagree. He did a fantastic job last year. Let’s see where this team is after 30-40 games. Give these players a chance to mesh.