After being taken 27th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, forward Zachary L’Heureux has been recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals.
Head coach Andrew Brunette confirmed the plan is to have him make his debut Tuesday night against the Boston Bruins.
“We need some guys that are going to hound for some pucks, be hard on pucks, & win puck battles,” Brunette said. “That’s been kind of hurting us lately. Hopefully, he can come in & inject that enthusiasm, & I know he’ll be excited to play.”
Brunette was pleased with L’Heureux’s training camp & felt he deserved a shot after seeing his team start 0-5-0.
“It’s definitely something that I’ve been working towards my whole life. It’s a privilege, and I’m not taking it for granted. I’m trying to enjoy it, soak it all in, and I know the next few days are going to be really exciting,” L’Heureux said.
Nashville’s staff just wants L’Heureux to play his style of game & mesh with his new teammates. During practice on Monday, he was on a line with Michael McCarron & Cole Smith, a trio that saw consistent time together during the preseason.
“We’re a heavy line that can also make plays. We have that dual-threat there that can really wear teams down & be really effective,” L’Heureux said.
Looking back at the Montreal native’s time in the AHL he posted 48 points in 66 games last season. Then in the playoffs put up a team-high 15 points in 15 postseason games.
His contagious energy has elevated the skaters he’s played around & now he’ll use what he gained from his experience in the AHL.
“All of them down [in Milwaukee], the support, the way they’ve helped build my game up to & turn me into a real pro has been huge,” L’Heureux said. “The number one thing that they told me when I got down there is that their goal is for me to play in the National Hockey League & that when the time comes that I’d be ready. I feel more ready than ever.”
For the last few years, the gritty prospect was making the most of his impressions as he came back for rookie & training camps. His determination has earned him the call to be the first forward recalled from the AHL this season & now he can bask in what got him to where he is today.
“It’s a moment that’s special for me but it’s more than that. It’s my parents, grandparents, family, coaches & everyone that’s been with me along the way,” L’Heureux said. “Hopefully I’m just getting started but still It’s a step in the right direction & it’s really special for sure.”
Just last season defenseman Marc Del Gaizo was recalled to make his NHL debut after Luke Schenn went down with an injury. Now that Del Gaizo has been recalled three times he knows what it’s like to relish in getting that call to the big club.
“The best advice I got was from Chris Mason. We were at the hotel & he pulled me aside & told me once I got out there, there was a lot of build-up to it, but after your first shift you’ll realize it’s another hockey game,” Del Gaizo said. “It’s a super exciting moment, not only for him but for his family…
“Zach & I are friends, we spent a lot of time together in Milwaukee. He’s a heck of a player & even better person. Such an upbeat personality & player & plays with a lot of passion. Couldn’t be happier for him, just super excited.”
Follow Nick Kieser on Twitter/X: @KieserNick
Photos courtesy of the Nashville Predators
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