Considered a brilliant offensive player since his junior hockey days, Yanick was productive but not spectacular during his first two pro seasons. He scored 79 points in 144 games, not enough firepower to crack the Los Angeles Kings' lineup.
This year, the 22-year-old center has kicked his game up a notch, evolving into one of the most explosive players in all of minor league hockey.
Through 38 games, Lehoux is second on the Monarchs and tied for third in the American Hockey League in scoring with 54 points (23 goals, 31 assists).
Unfortunately, Lehoux’s breakout season was cut short, as he suffered a season ending injury January 14 against the Worcester IceCats.
A questionable hit by Worcester defenseman Brendan Buckley caused a torn lateral collateral ligament in Yanick’s right knee. After surgery, he is expected to be out a minimum of four months.
For Lehoux, recovery will be the name of the game. If he can rehab relatively quickly, he has a good shot at a making the Staples Center his home ice. Slow to come back, though, and he might find himself doing his rehab in lovely Manchester for another season.
