The Maple Leafs Should Give Bo Groulx a Fair Shot

There’s something about Bo Groulx that I keep coming back to. I think it’s the energy. Maybe it’s the fact that whenever Groulx gets into a game, something seems to happen. Or maybe it’s because John Chayka seems to have a thing for players who bring a little something different to the Maple Leafs lineup. Whatever it is, Groulx deserves a real shot at making this team.

He was technically an extra at practice, but there was a pretty interesting wrinkle. Groulx rotated onto the top line with Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic. That doesn't mean he’ll suddenly be playing beside Matthews when the season opens. But it does suggest he has made an impression.

Groulx played well in his 2025-26 call-up to the Maple Leafs.

Groulx helped the Toronto Marlies win the Calder Cup last season. He scored 28 goals and 52 points, led the Marlies in goals, and finished third in team scoring. Then he got his opportunity with the Maple Leafs and scored three goals with two assists. That’s enough to make me curious. Especially because Groulx brings something you can’t always find on a depth chart.

Energy. And honestly, the Maple Leafs could always use some of that. Last season, the team looked like it was waiting for somebody else to make something happen too many nights. Groulx doesn't seem to have that problem. He competes. He gets involved. He goes after the puck. He’s the hockey equivalent of somebody opening the curtains on a cloudy morning.

So what happens this season? Maybe Groulx doesn't crack the top 12. If not, well, fine. But why not make him the 13th forward?

Being the team’s Swiss Army Knife actually might be the perfect role for Groulx.

Give him the roster spot. Give him meaningful preseason minutes. Let him show Chayka and Jim Hiller that the energy he brought to the Marlies can translate to the NHL. And if somebody gets hurt, or somebody needs a little kick in the pants, there he is. This is also where Chayka’s roster-building philosophy gets interesting.

He seems to like players who have a defined purpose. Guys who bring something to the room and something to the game. Groulx brings energy. That has to count for something.

No, he shouldn't be handed a job. But after what he did last season, he sure deserves the opportunity to earn one.

At least give Bo Groulx a chance. Then let his play decide the rest.