Though the contract had been reported several days ago, Benoit-Olivier Groulx has now been officially signed by the Anaheim Ducks. Groulx has inked a three-year entry-level deal, but he will remain in the QMJHL this season. Groulx plays for the Halifax Mooseheads and can’t be recalled unless the Ducks face an emergency situation.
Selected 54th overall in 2018, Groulx has had big expectations as a future NHL player for a long time. A first-overall pick in the QMJHL draft, he has slowly but surely grown into a dominant junior player. Scoring 31 goals and 80 points last season with Halifax, his two-way hockey sense is what many believe will carry him to the next level. Given he’ll be 20 before the 2020-21 season begins, it seems likely that the San Diego Gulls will have another forward on their hands next season.
In fact, depending on what Halifax does Groulx could see some AHL time at the end of this season. He also will be a strong candidate for the Canadian World Junior team, the nation he competes for even though he was actually born in France. Through three games with the Mooseheads, he has two goals and three points already.
the kid is fun to watch in person. I hope his skills translate to the pro level.