Benoit-Olivier Groulx Bio
Benoit-Olivier “Bo” Groulx (born February 6, 2000) is a French-born Canadian professional ice hockey forward. He currently plays for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 194 pounds, Groulx is known for his two-way play and leadership qualities on the ice.
Selected 54th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Groulx has spent his professional career developing between the AHL and NHL. After four seasons within the Ducks organization, he signed with the New York Rangers in 2024 before joining the Maple Leafs organization in July 2025 on a two-year contract.
Early Life and Background
Benoit-Olivier Groulx was born on February 6, 2000, in Rouen, in the Normandy region of France. Although born in France, he grew up in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, where he developed his early passion for hockey. His family background is deeply tied to the sport, as he is the son of Benoit Groulx, a head coach and former professional ice hockey player.
Raised in the hockey-rich province of Quebec, Groulx was exposed to high-level coaching and competitive environments from a young age. His father’s career in professional hockey provided him with a unique understanding of the game’s demands. This combination of French heritage and Canadian hockey upbringing shaped his identity as a player who blends European skill with North American grit.
Before entering junior hockey, Groulx represented Canada in several international youth competitions. He played in the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics, where he recorded four goals and six points in six games. He also competed for Canada Red in the 2016 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and won gold with Canada at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where he posted three points in five games.
Path to Hockey
Groulx’s path to professional hockey began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He was selected first overall by the Halifax Mooseheads in the 2016 QMJHL Entry Draft, signaling his status as one of the top prospects in his age group. In his rookie season with Halifax, he posted 14 goals and 17 assists in 62 games, while also contributing in the playoffs.
During the 2018–19 season, Groulx elevated his game with 30 goals and 80 points in 65 games. He helped lead the Mooseheads to the 2019 QMJHL President’s Cup championship and was named a tournament all-star at the 2019 Memorial Cup. His performance that season established him as one of the most reliable two-way forwards in the league.
In his final QMJHL campaign, Groulx was named captain of the Mooseheads before being traded to the Moncton Wildcats on December 22, 2019. He finished the abbreviated season with 78 points in 55 games and a plus-20 rating, earning the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the QMJHL’s best defensive forward for 2019–20. He was also named captain of the QMJHL team for the QMJHL–Russia series in November 2019.
Benoit-Olivier Groulx Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
On October 10, 2019, the Anaheim Ducks signed Groulx to a three-year, entry-level contract. He began his professional career with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, during the 2020–21 season. In 42 games, he scored ten goals and 29 points while leading all AHL rookies in shorthanded points, an early indicator of his defensive responsibility and special teams value.
That season established Groulx as a trusted rookie presence in San Diego and set the stage for his NHL transition. His ability to contribute in all situations earned him a look with the parent club the following year.
NHL Debut and Anaheim Ducks Era (2021–2024)
Groulx made his NHL debut on October 13, 2021, in a 4–1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on opening night. He registered his first NHL assist and point against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 29, and scored his first NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues on November 7. After playing 15 games with one goal and three points, he was assigned to the Gulls on November 19 before being recalled later that month.
Groulx spent the majority of the 2022–23 season with San Diego and was recalled briefly in April 2023, appearing in two NHL games. On July 14, 2023, he signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with Anaheim. During the 2023–24 season, he appeared in 45 games for the Ducks, registering two assists while continuing to develop his game at the top level.
Following four professional seasons within the Ducks organization, Groulx was not tendered a qualifying offer and left Anaheim as an unrestricted free agent. His time with the Ducks helped him refine his two-way game and adjust to the pace of NHL hockey.
Hartford Wolf Pack and New York Rangers (2024–2025)
On July 2, 2024, Groulx signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers as an unrestricted free agent. He was assigned to the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, for the 2024–25 season, where he served in a leadership role and contributed consistently on both ends of the ice.
On January 10, 2025, Groulx was promoted to the Rangers, marking another NHL recall in his career. His time in Hartford helped him maintain his rhythm before returning to the NHL lineup mid-season.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2025–Present)
As a free agent following his lone season with the Rangers, Groulx signed a two-year contract worth $1.63 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, 2025. He was assigned to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, where he continues to play as a reliable two-way forward.
The move to Toronto represents a fresh opportunity for Groulx to establish himself within a new organization known for its player development. His current contract runs through the 2026–27 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Groulx is widely recognized for his defensive intelligence and responsible two-way play, qualities that earned him the Guy Carbonneau Trophy in the QMJHL. His ability to contribute on the penalty kill, evidenced by leading AHL rookies in shorthanded points during his first professional season, makes him a valuable special teams contributor. He combines a strong work ethic with leadership skills, as demonstrated by his captaincies with the Halifax Mooseheads and the QMJHL’s all-star team.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Groulx’s most memorable moments are his NHL debut on opening night in 2021, his first NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues on November 7, 2021, and winning gold with Canada at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. His 2019 Memorial Cup all-star selection and QMJHL President’s Cup championship with Halifax also stand out as defining early-career achievements.
Benoit-Olivier Groulx Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Benoit-Olivier Groulx has accumulated notable achievements at multiple levels of hockey. While his offensive totals have grown steadily, his reputation has been built on defensive responsibility and team success.
QMJHL Highlights
Groulx helped the Halifax Mooseheads win the 2019 QMJHL President’s Cup and was named a tournament all-star at the 2019 Memorial Cup after recording four points in four games. In 2019–20, he won the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the QMJHL’s best defensive forward and was also named captain of the QMJHL team for the QMJHL–Russia series.
Other Wins and Performances
At the international level, Groulx won gold with Canada at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering one goal and three points in five games. He also represented Canada at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics and the 2016 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, contributing four goals and six points across six games in the Youth Olympics.
Benoit-Olivier Groulx Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Benoit-Olivier Groulx comes from a family with deep roots in professional ice hockey. He is the son of Benoit Groulx, a head coach and former professional ice hockey player. Growing up with a coach as a father gave him an early and thorough understanding of the game’s tactical and physical demands.
Personal Life
Although born in Rouen, France, Groulx was raised in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, where he continues to maintain ties. His French-Canadian background and dual national identity have shaped his perspective as a player who developed within both European and North American hockey cultures.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year marks a transitional period for Benoit-Olivier Groulx. After spending the early part of the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL following his July 2024 signing with the New York Rangers, he earned an NHL recall on January 10, 2025, splitting time between Hartford and New York.
Following the conclusion of the NHL campaign, Groulx entered free agency and signed a two-year, $1.63 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, 2025. He was assigned to the Toronto Marlies, where he is expected to serve as a veteran two-way presence and contribute on the penalty kill.
Looking ahead, Groulx’s role within the Maple Leafs organization provides a clear pathway back to full-time NHL duty. His combination of defensive reliability, special teams value, and leadership experience positions him as a steady contributor as he competes for a regular spot in Toronto’s forward group.