Forward Benoit Olivier-Groulx, who is listed as Bo Groulx on the 2024 New York Rangers training camp roster, was a premier prospect out of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
He had it all, as he could score big goals, produce offensively, fight, play a solid two-way game, and have size. After four years in the Anaheim Ducks organization, he is looking for a fresh start with the Rangers.
Groulx was drafted by the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL in 2016 as the first overall pick. They set the bar high for him and he exceeded expectations He was the total package and had the drive of a veteran, seeking to win a championship before he set his sights on the NHL Draft.
Through hard work and offensive production, his dream came true in 2018, as he was drafted by the Ducks 54th overall. The hard work was only beginning and he was back to Halifax to begin perfecting his game.
The New York Rangers are looking to get something out of Benoit Olivier-Groulx
Groulx would make his NHL debut for Anaheim against the Winnipeg Jets in a 4-2 victory on October 13, 2021. He registered his first pro point, an assist, against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 29, 202. He would then score his first NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues on November 7, 2021.
Throughout his time in Anaheim, he was often in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the San Diego Gulls, the affiliate of the Ducks. While he was productive and developing, the progress did not seem to go in his favor.
He did not see much time in the NHL and when he did it was in only a few minutes of ice time and it seemed the organization wanted to keep him in San Diego for the foreseeable future. His time may have run out without any fault of his own.
The Ducks did not seem to have him in their plans and his time would run out with the organization at the end of the 2023-24 season. He was not tendered a qualifying offer and was now a free agent.
While he may have had offers throughout the league, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Rangers on July 2, 2024.
There was hope for him to become a star once again. New team, a new conference, a new roster, and a new start. Groulx has the potential to blossom in the Rangers system as their center depth is not the best. He has room to grow and still develop, but the talent and overall game is still there.
While he still may see time in the AHL with New York's affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. The Rangers seems like a place that will bring Groulx along at the right speed to allow him to develop and at the same time
This is a good move for Groulx as he is now with an Original Six team that is loaded with talent. This roster can only help his offensive production and help his confidence along the way. He is one to keep an eye on as he could be a dark horse to take the Rangers over the top in the Eastern Conference.