Bo Groulx is turning a lost Maple Leafs season into a career-defining audition
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Bo Groulx has come up from the Marlies as their leading scorer and continued his torrid stretch with the Maple Leafs. He's proving everyone that he's worth more than a glance and also proving Craig Berube can do things the right way.
Groulx, 25, was signed to an NHL-level deal last summer however spent the majority of the season with the Toronto Marlies. While there he put up a staggering 50 points (not bad for a defensive forward) and lit the lamp seemingly every game; earning a call-up.
Since then he has been great with five points in seven games (3 goals, 2 assists) and while he's not going to be a superstar; he's clearly way more talented and deserves a shot.
Bo Groulx doing the impossible: He's making Craig Berube look good
It's something that Craig Berube has to actually be credited for because he's finally shown that he can play the right people - when he wants to.
The locker room has been in turmoil and Craig Berube has had the pitchforks out for him however Groulx is proof that if you take a chance you might get something fruitful out of it.
Though it's clear he is using Groulx more than just as a necessity as it looks like he's the exact type of player Berube wants: a fighter for not only pucks but for pride. Groulx hadn't had a fair shake at the NHL level and within six games proved he should be a staple for years to come.
You had Dakota Joshua, Groulx, and Matias Maccelli all coming together to make something happen. Two of those three players were given a fair chance in Joshua and now Groulx, so perhaps Maccelli is next in the cards.
It goes to show that if you play the way Berube wants, you'll be rewarded.
Why Bo Groulx shows that the rookies deserve just as much attention
But Saturday night was more than just regular game for Groulx as he had several supporters in the Ottawa crowd.
He was confident heading into the game given the extra support though also felt like he could do it on a regular basis:
I think with a lot of confidence. I know what I can do at this level and I think I'm showing it right now. Today [Friday] I had a couple of 2-on-1s on the PK that I'd like to have back. I had a couple of good shifts with Chelly [Matias Maccelli] and DJ [Joshua] in the o-zone, we were fortunate enough to get one.
That confidence is something that has seemingly lacked from the Maple Leafs roster this entire season, and just watching how Groulx enters the zone and fights for pucks; he's tireless and knows that one smart move can turn the game on its head.
These types of players in addition to Groulx: Jacob Quillan, Nick Robertson, even Cowan - all need to play more. If Berube can do it with Groulx he's clearly shown he's capable of doing it with others.
Groulx proved to the others that it is possible to get more time and success and we've already seen it pay off with Easton Cowan scoring against Ottawa.
It doesn't matter if he's on the way out, Berube needs to do the right thing and give all the young guns the Groulx treatment. It's not like things can get any worse.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 22|877 ANSWERS Bo Groulx is turning a lost Maple Leafs season into a career-defining audition Do you think Bo Groulx deserves a full time roster spot in 2026-27? | ||
| Yes | 725 | 82.7 % |
| No | 152 | 17.3 % |
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