Maveric Lamoureux will make his NHL debut for the Utah Hockey Club against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday (9 p.m. ET; Utah16, ALT).
The 20-year-old defenseman was recalled on Wednesday from Tucson of the American Hockey League where he had three points (two goals, one assist) in four games.
"I was in the room so I didn't want to scream or be too happy. But a big smile," Lamoureux told the Salt Lake Tribune on Thursday when he heard the news. "I actually can't wait. It's going to be amazing."
Lamoureux will play on a defense pair with Ian Cole and replace Robert Bortuzzo in the lineup.
"He's been great," Lamoureux said of Cole. "He's talking so much, he wants to make sure I know everything, that I play good. ... Having that guy as my 'D' partner with that much experience is definitely good for me."
Selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round (No. 29) of the 2022 NHL Draft, Lamoureux had 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 35 games with Drummondville of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League last season, and three points (one goal, two assists) in five games with Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
"I think it reminds all of our guys that have been there," Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. "I often say never forget where you came from. … They probably have a little smile looking at Mav, being nervous and stuff like that. It's just good for everybody."
Utah is currently without defensemen Sean Durzi, who will be out 4-6 months and could be out for the season after having right shoulder surgery, and John Marino, who will be sidelined for 3-4 months after lower-back surgery. Marino has not played this season.
