L'Heureux needs strength, discipline to thrive with Predators

NASHVILLE -- Zachary L'Heureux is ready for a new challenge. The Nashville Predators are eager to see how he handles it.

The 20-year-old forward prospect, selected by the Predators with the No. 27 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has been producing points and pestering opponents the past three seasons for Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, nearly guiding the team into the Memorial Cup last season.

It's now time to ascertain what kind of impact L'Heureux will have on the professional level. He will battle for a Nashville roster spot in training camp, but the more likely destination for him this season is Milwaukee of the American Hockey League.

"He's in a good position," Predators assistant general manager and player development Scott Nichol said. "It's absolutely time for him to turn pro. Whether it's [in Nashville] or in Milwaukee, it's time for him to play against men and see where he's at."

L'Heureux (5-foot-11, 197 pounds) had 190 points (82 goals, 108 assists) in 167 games during his junior career.

He missed the first eight weeks of the 2022-23 season recovering from hernia surgery, but returned to form quickly with 37 points (18 goals, 19 assists) in his first 23 games. L'Heureux finished his junior career on a strong note, with 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 20 postseason games.

"He dialed it up in the playoffs," Nichol said. "I thought he was the engine that drove the team in the playoffs. He was very disciplined, he produced and he drew penalties."

L'Heureux attended the Predators' development camp last month, part of his preparation for what he knows will be a more challenging level of hockey in the coming season.

"I think physically, it's about getting as strong as possible," L'Heureux said. "That would be what can set me apart at the next level is really if I can show up with the best summer ever, making sure every aspect of my conditioning is top point, and my skating is definitely going to be something I'm going to keep working on.

"I think it's definitely taken a big improvement over the past couple summers, but if I can take another step this summer, it will make my life a lot easier once I turn pro."

One of the keys to L'Heureux's game is his feisty, aggressive style. He's often able to get under the skin of opponents, drawing penalties and providing momentum for his team. But L'Heureux and the Predators know he needs to pick his spots as he matures. He was suspended nine times in junior hockey, including a 10-game suspension last season.

"Zach had a little bit of a roller-coaster year, which is to his own fault sometimes, but it's been a really good learning experience for him," Nichol said. "It's hard when you play with that kind of emotion. I've been on that side of the fence, too. It's hard to toe that line and sometimes you fall on the other side. It's just going to take some time with him."

L'Heueux said he's ready for a clean slate on the professional level.

"I'm happy I'm done with it and I'm moving to the next step," L'Heureux said. "It's something I want to leave in the past. I want to move forward from it and not let it affect me going into next year."