As the Toronto Maple Leafs begin to turn the page to next season, one of the more under-the-radar storylines is the emergence of Bo Groulx and the role he could play moving forward.
The Maple Leafs finally gave Groulx his chance when former general manager Brad Treliving decided to make the Maple Leafs sellers ahead of the trade deadline. The Maple Leafs later made three trades involving their forward core, which opened up spots throughout the lineup for a number of different minor league prospects. Groulx has made the most of this opportunity and has earned minutes as the second line centre alongside Matthew Knies and Matias Maccelli.
Groulx is producing at every level with the Maple Leafs
From the beginning of his Maple Leafs tenure, Groulx has been solid for the Maple Leafs. In 10 games with the Maple Leafs, Groulx has produced 10 points, including three goals, while averaging just north of 15 minutes on ice. With the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, he has registered 50 points in 55 games, nearly producing at a goal per game rate. Groulx has been able to act as a spark plug in any scenario within the Maple Leafs organization, and it is just beginning to show the value he can produce to any NHL team.
Searching for answers down the middle of the ice
The Maple Leafs have been searching for depth down the middle of the ice since moving on from Nicolas Roy and Auston Matthews' injury. John Tavares is no longer the player he once was, which opens a massive opportunity for many players within the lineup. Bo Groulx instantly caught the attention of the coaching staff, which has earned him minutes within the top six. Groulx plays a style of hockey that any team needs; he is a reliable, in-your-face two-way centre. Standing at 6'2" and over 200 lbs, he combines being a power forward with a responsible defensive game, which gives him minutes on the top penalty kill unit.
With major decisions upcoming this offseason, this seems like an easy decision that needs to happen. Bo Groulx has already shown he can contribute at the NHL level while excelling in the AHL on a cheap contract. Based on his production, playing style, and fit within the lineup, he should be considered a lock to start next season as a regular for the Toronto Maple Leafs.