Nashville Predators prospect Zachary L'Heureux has been suspended two games by the AHL after punching Colton Dach in last night's game between the Milwaukee Admirals and Rockford Ice Hogs.
Here is the play that warranted the action by the AHL.
(Video credit: Eric D. @OnTheFuturePBR for Penalty Box Radio)
L'Heureux was on the receiving end of a questionable hit by Dach but retaliated by tripping Dach and then throwing a punch. While the hit from Dach could have been a penalty, the response from L'Heureux drew swift action from the AHL.
L'Heureux was the 27th overall pick in the 2021 draft for the Nashville Predators and is known for playing a physical game that can cross the line. He received multiple suspensions in the QMJHL where he played three seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads. Although there is more physicality allowed in the AHL, this move by L'Heureux is something the league absolutely won't tolerate.
This suspension comes at a time when the 20-year-old forward was on a hot streak having scored two goals and five points in his three previous games before last night's matchup against the Ice Hogs. In his 27 games for the Admirals this season, L'Heureux has scored six goals and 18 points but has also racked up 82 penalty minutes, fourth most in the AHL so far this season.
The Admirals will be without L'Heureux as they take on the Ice Hogs again this afternoon at 4:00 pm CT, and he will miss the January 5 game against the Colorado Eagles.
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