Benoit-Olivier Groulx

July 2023 – On a bottom AHL squad, Groulx was possibly the most impressive of all Anaheim draft picks. He finished fourth in scoring with 39 points in 63 games, but that was also an increase in all factors across the board for Groulx in his AHL tenure so far. His checking game is good, and while he still does not take the opportunity to shoot, he gets in the right spots to score or create room for his teammates. Groulx signed a one-year, two-way deal as he will likely play in the AHL again, but this season should at least see him get called up to the NHL, barring injuries of course, as the Ducks will likely sell off more of the teams UFAs as the season winds down. He is still trending towards a third line player that can score some points, help in FO leagues, and pop in the odd short handed goal too. Pat Quinn

May 2021 – Groulx has established himself as a solid checking-line forward at the pro level. He’s getting stronger too, which is helping play a bit of a power forward game. He’s solid at the faceoff circle and an asset on the penalty kill. He appears destined to be a third-line player at the NHL level. – Dobber

March 2020 – Groulx’s CHL career looks to be over as the Q and the rest of the Canadian leagues have canceled their seasons. He finished the year in Moncton as they loaded up for a deep playoff run, but we will never know how that would have turned out. He scored 29 goals and 78 points this season and was over 60% in the face-off dot, second in the Q among players who had over 1,000 attempts. The former captain of the Mooseheads will start his pro career next season and develop into a gritty center who will be more valuable in leagues that count peripheral stats like hits, PIMs, blocks and face-off wins, but should contribute to some offensive categories too. Lucas Main

November 2018 – A former first overall selection of the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL, Groulx plays a big game (100 PIM last season), but could still add some meat to his frame (6-2, 194 pounds). He is a feisty center, responsible in all three zones, and has a tremendous work ethic. He doesn’t have the offensive explosiveness of a first line center, but with his hockey sense, skating ability, and drive, he keeps working on his game and gets better every season. He has started this year with 12 goals and 25 points in 19 games and has gained more responsibilities as he dawns an ‘A’ on his sweater this season. The Ducks will give him time to develop so he will be on your NHL radar in 2020 and has the potential to be a second line center. Lucas Main