Predators' Zach L'Heureux reflects on rookie season "It's the best job in the world"
- Anthony Pellegrino
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
The rookie forward recently played his first game in hometown Montreal, family in attendance
By Anthony Pellegrino @Pellegrinoap50 IceInsider.com Predators All Access Reporter
NASHVILLE--Zach L'Heureux has always been "the spark" on respective teams.
It wasn't any different when he arrived to the Predators organization.
L’Heureux quickly became a fan-favorite during his first season with the Milwaukee Admirals, Nashville's AHL affiliate, recording a staggering 197 penalty minutes in 66 games played.
It led to the comparison that he could emerge as Nashville's modern-day Jordin Tootoo, although he had 266 penalty minutes in 59 games played, during his first season with Milwaukee.
"The spark." It's what earned L'Heureux a call-up to the Predators following a meer 0-5 start to the season, as they looked for a new kind of energy amongst a rather complacent culture at the time.
Once called up, he never looked back.
Now starting his fourth month in the NHL, he has four goals and nine assists in 43 games under his belt for the Predators, including 46 penalty minutes. Growing into an identity role early into his NHL career has been a crucial key that General Manager Barry Trotz has emphasized on the next generation of players coming into the lineup.
The Predators traveled to Montreal in December to take on the Canadiens, which meant L'Heureux would make his hometown debut, growing up in Montreal.
He reflected on the journey prior to the game.
"It's the best job in the world. (What) you dream of as a kid," L'Heureux said. "You want to go out there every day and play your heart out to be able to stay. It can be stressful and nerve-wracking but at the end of the day, it's everything you work towards."
His family made the trip, including grandmother Heather L'heureux. She was one of Zach's key supporters growing up.
"(You know), he was four years old when he started. When he was a little boy he said, "Grandma, I'm going to play in the NHL." His grandmother recalled, "And I said, "Well you go for it, and you work hard. And you will get there."
Heather was emotional as she watched her grandson, now all grown up, stand at Nashville's blueline for the national anthem.
And her advice stands correct.
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