Newly acquired forward Zach L’Heureux might be the most intriguing player for the Colorado Avalanche heading into the 2026-27 season, and it’s not just for his potential scoring touch. This 23-year-old brings a serious history of suspensions at literally every level he’s played, including a jaw-dropping nine times in the QMJHL alone. Avalanche fans have got to be looking at this guy wondering if he’s the missing piece or a ticking time bomb.
“Happy’s” Highs and Lows: The Production Rollercoaster
L’Heureux, sometimes called “Happy,” has shown flashes of real brilliance, but consistency in the NHL has been a wild ride. He was a first-round pick, 27th overall in 2021 by the Predators, so the talent is definitely there. His first full pro season in 2023-24 saw him tearing it up in the AHL for the Milwaukee Admirals, putting up 48 points with 19 goals in 66 games. That’s big-time production.
The next year, he spent most of his time in Nashville, playing 62 games with the Predators and tallying 15 points. What really popped was his physical game, leading all NHL rookies with 198 hits that season. He’s got that bite, you know? But then, last year, the Predators sent him back to the AHL for the bulk of it. He crushed it there again, with 28 points in 30 games. But when he got called back up for 25 games at the end of the season, his NHL numbers dropped to just five points, four goals and an assist. The question mark next to him possibly playing with the Avalanche in 2026-27 isn’t just for show. Seven staff writers ranked him #11 on the Top 25 Under 25 list, but his individual rankings ranged from #7 to #33. That’s a huge spread, showing exactly how much uncertainty surrounds his value.
The Bite, The Brawls, The Bednar Question
Okay, let’s get real about the elephant in the room: this guy’s past is *complicated*. With Val Nichushkin jettisoned, L’Heureux now takes the crown for having the most complicated history in the Avalanche organization. We’re talking nine suspensions in junior, including a 10-game ban, three more in the AHL, and even a three-game NHL suspension for slew-footing Minnesota’s Jared Spurgeon. You read that right. Nine times in the Q, three in the AHL, one in the NHL.
The Avalanche could absolutely use someone who plays on the edge, someone who “toes the line” and brings a little more physical presence. It’s no secret they’ve lacked some bite in their game. But here’s the million-dollar question: is head coach Jared Bednar really going to trust a player with this kind of disciplinary record, especially when he’s still trying to solidify his spot in the league? The old mantra says it’s better to rein in passion than try to encourage it. But we’re about to find out if L’Heureux can balance that fire without crossing the line too often.
Heading into the 2026-27 season, every Avalanche fan will be watching L’Heureux. Will he settle into that middle-six scoring role and bring some much-needed toughness, or will he spend most of his time trying to find his game in the AHL? It’s going to be a wild ride, and we’ll see if the Avalanche gamble on his talent pays off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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