Every year, every team has at least one X Factor player. This describes someone who unexpectedly emerges for a career-best year, becoming vital to the team. Last season for the Colorado Avalanche, that player was Parker Kelly. He scored 35 points while becoming a key feature of the bottom six in Denver. This season, Colorado could see someone else take the role as the X Factor player, and it could very well be Zachary L’Heureux.

L’Heureux and scoring

L’Heureux came to Colorado over the summer in a trade that sent Chase Bradley and Jack Drury to Nashville in exchange for L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov. Last season, L’Heureux played half the number of games with the Predators as the previous year (25 games down from 62 games). The thing that stands out is that he had one fewer goal last season than the previous year. L’Heureux demonstrated increased intelligence near the net, seeking rebounds. If L’Heureux plays a lot Kelly does, he could see a jump in his goal total just like Kelly did last year. The talent is there, as L’Heureux scored 19 goals in the AHL with Milwaukee during his rookie year.

L’Heureux and defensive game

Even though L’Heureux saw half the time in the NHL last year, he saw triple the time on the penalty kill. His average time on ice during the penalty kill jumped from 36 seconds to 1:42 per game. On an Avalanche squad that heavily depends on special teams, L’Heureux will be a valuable asset. Most ice time may come from the penalty kill this season for the Avalanche.

His biggest downfall

While playing at the NHL level, L’Heureux has averaged almost a minute of penalty time per game. He can be a tad bit agressive which could hurt the team if you’re on the PK. His penalty numbers were even higher when he was playing in the AHL. The Colorado Eagles have excellent special teams, but can get worn down quickly.

L’Heureux is poised to have a breakout season if he maintains a cool demeanor and plays aggressively on the puck. He could get a lot of ice time in the NHL and see career-high numbers in goals and assists if he does that. If not, he could end up in Loveland being the enforcer for the Eagles. With it being his fourth season pro, he is ready to make the jump as a full-time NHL player and contribute as a bottom-six man.