Maple Leafs’ Bo Groulx has eyes on being a difference maker with AHL playoffs set to begin
While this has been one of the most disappointing Maple Leafs seasons in recent memory, not to be lost in all the frustration was the play that Bo Groulx showcased during his stint with the club. In 13 games, Groulx recorded three goals and two assists, to go along with a plus-minus rating of plus-four. Groulx, the former Anaheim Ducks second-round draft pick in 2018, earned the chance to appear in a NHL game for the first time since the 2023-24 season, and brought a level of passion that many Maple Leafs fans took a liking to.
On Wednesday morning, Groulx joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss the experience of being called up to play for Toronto, the upcoming AHL playoffs with the Toronto Marlies, and his relationship with his father.
Groulx was called up on March 10, prior to the Maple Leafs squaring off with the Montreal Canadiens, following a trade deadline week that saw the club move on from three forwards, including Nic Roy, Scott Laughton, and Bobby McMann. The opportunity was a long time coming for the 24-year-old, whose most recent game at the NHL level was on April 12, 2024.
“It was unreal, and I was just really excited to be called up again. I told my mom, my dad, and my step-dad, and they were all really excited for me,” Groulx said. “The first one was at the Bell Centre, and my family and friends made the trip to come see me, and I thought I played a pretty good game. Then, after that, I played against the team that drafted me at home, and I scored a nice goal against them. My call-up has been pretty good. I felt pretty good out there, and it felt very good to be back. It’s been such a long time since I played in the NHL, and it just felt good to be back after all the work I’ve put in.”
With the Marlies this season, Groulx has appeared in 57 games, posting 27 goals, good for the team lead, and 24 assists. The 51 points place Groulx second among all Marlies skaters in points, trailing only captain Logan Shaw, who has recorded 53. Groulx spoke about his mindset with the playoffs looming just around the corner.
“I think these games in the playoffs are just as important as the games that I played with Toronto. I think everybody’s going to be watching. Obviously, we have a lot of prospects that they’re looking at, and they want to look at players who can make a difference in big games, and I want to be that kind of player,” Groulx said. “I want to make a difference every time I’m on the ice, and especially during the playoffs, that’s when it counts most. I’m really excited to see what I can bring to the table come playoff time.”
Groulx’s father, Benoît Groulx, is currently coaching in the Switzerland National League with EV Zug. He has spent time leading QMJHL teams, AHL teams, KHL teams, and was a scout last season within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Groulx spoke about the relationship he has with his father, with both men being so deeply involved with hockey at the professional level.
“I would say we went through a couple of phases. During my first two years in the AHL, he was still coaching with Syracuse. I would tell him to watch my games to help see what I can improve on. Then, after that, I made the Ducks, and he was still with Tampa Bay, and it was completely opposite. He would still watch my games, but he wouldn’t want to put anything into my head that would mess up my play or make me overthink,” Groulx said. “Then he was in Russia the past two years, and we were very far away. Obviously, the time change has a lot to do with him not watching or communicating, but I would wake up every once and a while with a long text about my game, either good or bad. It’s been really nice having a guy like that in my corner who has been a part of really good hockey. He’s won at pretty much every level, so it’s really nice to have that resource in your corner, especially when it’s your dad.”
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