Bo Groulx Seizes Opportunity with Maple Leafs in Late-Season Surge
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bo Groulx is making the most of his late-season recall, delivering consistent offensive contributions as the team navigates the final stretch of the NHL season. Recalled from the Toronto Marlies on March 10, Groulx has quickly become a notable presence on the ice.
Impressive Point Production in Limited Games
With an assist on Dakota Joshua's goal during the Maple Leafs' 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena, Groulx has now accumulated five points in just six games. This includes three goals and two assists, equaling the total points he recorded over 65 games in parts of three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks from 2021 to 2024.
"I know what I can do at this level," Groulx stated after the game. "If I can work on my faceoff game a little bit and recognize the situation defensively a little bit faster, I think I can be a good player in this league. Confidence is everything. If you come into a game and you’re not confident, you’re going to make a mistake that you usually would not and you’re going to be hesitant. I feel like right now I’m playing free-minded out there."
A Tryout for Future Roster Spot
Under contract through the end of next season, Groulx's current performance effectively serves as a tryout with the Maple Leafs. While he may need to start from scratch in training camp come September to impress a new coach, the foundation he is building is becoming increasingly solid. Although it would be premature to fully judge a player given the Leafs' position in the standings, Groulx's impact is a positive development compared to being a peripheral, unnoticeable player.
Bright Spot in Challenging Season
After posting 50 points, including 27 goals, in 54 games with the Marlies, the 26-year-old Groulx has brought his quickness and offensive intelligence to the NHL level, offering a glimmer of hope for the struggling Maple Leafs. His ability to find scoring opportunities and simplify his game has not gone unnoticed by teammates.
"He seems to have a good sense of where to be and getting the puck in good spots and not trying to over-complicate things," said Leafs centre John Tavares. "Take the plays that are there. He has some good legs and a really good release. He’s capitalizing, which has been great for us."
Homecoming Game in Ottawa
The Maple Leafs are set to face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night in the latest Battle of Ontario. While Toronto is out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, a regulation victory could significantly hinder the Senators' postseason hopes. For Groulx, who grew up across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, this game holds special significance as a homecoming.
This will mark only his second NHL game in Ottawa, following a previous appearance with the Ducks in February 2024, which he described as a subpar performance in a 5-1 Anaheim win. With an estimated 20 family members and friends expected to attend at Canadian Tire Centre, Groulx is eager to deliver a better showing.
"It means a lot," Groulx expressed. "It’s always a special game."
