Predators recall former first-round pick for potential NHL debut

The Predators have called up left winger Zachary LHeureux from AHL Milwaukee, and line rushes indicate hell make his NHL debut Tuesday against the Bruins, per 102.5 The Games Nick Kieser .

Alex Daugherty of the Tennessean was first to report the move , which doesnt require a corresponding transaction with an open spot on the Preds 23-man roster.

LHeureux, 21, was the 27th overall pick in 2021.

Most describe the 511, 196-lb forward as an agitator, which might be a contender for hockeys understatement of the year award.

The Montreal natives games played totals during his time in juniors with the QMJHLs 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 doesnt take away from the legitimate upside in LHeureuxs offensive game.

After a 19-goal, 48-point regular season, LHeureux led the AHL postseason in goals with 10 in 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 a legitimate scoring threat in juniors, totaling 190 points in 167 career QMJHL games.

In February of this year, The Athletics Scott Wheeler ranked LHeureux sixth in Nashvilles prospect pool.

Hes 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.

LHeureux 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 and make progress in getting out of a 0-5-0 hole.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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