Zachary L’Heureux has brought a new, much-needed element to the Predators

While the Nashville Predators try to pry themselves out of the cellar, one youngster is trying to show he has what it takes to make an impact in the big leagues.

Forward Zachary L’Heureux has spent most of the season with the Predators after starting the 2024-25 campaign with the American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He had registered a couple of assists early on his tenure in Smashville before scoring his first NHL goal on Sunday in a 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks.

The 21-year-old has played a lot on the fourth line with Michael McCarron and Cole Smith, but even in a limited role, L’Heureux is using his speed and skill to make an impact whenever he is on the ice.

L’Heureux’s skillset was noticeable in his rookie season with the Admirals in 2023-24, when he led the team with 48 points, helping the team win the AHL’s Central Division title. He has a little bit of nastiness, a la Brad Marchard, that can make him a player the opposition hates to play against.

On Monday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli explained why L’Heureux can be a difference-maker for the Predators.

Frank Seravalli: He picks up his first career NHL goal, a special moment. I’m a sucker for the first NHL goal, but I will say he’s added an element to this Nashville Predators team that makes him very difficult to play against. I don’t think it’s entirely coincidental that since L’Heureux has joined the team, they got points in nine out of 14, they have a winning record with him in the lineup…He’s just a sparkplug. I called him in my Breakout Stars candidate list: he’s the new guy your team loves to hate.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…