The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a strategic move by recalling forward Benoit-Olivier Groulx from the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. This decision, announced Tuesday, could provide the Leafs with a fresh spark as they navigate the remainder of their season.
Groulx, a 26-year-old forward born in France but raised in Canada, inked a one-year deal with the Leafs during the last offseason. Originally drafted in the second round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2018, Groulx has had a challenging journey in the NHL.
Despite brief stints with the Ducks over three seasons, consistent production eluded him. His longest stretch came in the 2023-24 season, when he played 45 games and notched two assists.
Overall, he has one goal and five points across 65 NHL games.
In the AHL, however, Groulx has been a standout. Sharing the spotlight with prospect Jacob Quillan, Groulx has emerged as the Marlies’ top scorer, boasting an impressive 27 goals and 50 points in 54 games. With Quillan frequently called up to the Leafs, Groulx has taken the lead in scoring by a wide margin.
Given the Leafs' current situation, with the playoffs out of reach, bringing Groulx into the fold is a logical step. The team recently traded regular forwards Nicolas Roy, Bobby McMann, and Scott Laughton, creating opportunities for prospects and AHL players to showcase their skills. At 26, Groulx is on the edge of prospect status, making this a crucial chance for him to demonstrate his NHL potential, even if the team's playoff hopes are dim.
As the Leafs prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night, it remains to be seen if Groulx will hit the ice. His presence could be a key factor as the team looks to evaluate talent and build towards the future.