Bo Groulx oozes confidence despite Maple Leafs’ struggles: ‘I know what I can do at this level’

The Toronto Maple Leafs are nearing the end by what’s pretty safe to call a lost season at this point, but the emergence of Bo Groulx as a legitimate NHL talent has been a bright spot in a bleak year.

Signed to a two-year contract by the Maple Leafs last offseason, Groulx spent the entire season with the Toronto Marlies and leads the team in scoring by a wide margin, even since his call-up. He was never able to make much of his time with the Anaheim Ducks organization, with only one goal and five points in 65 games with the Ducks, but he’s taken a huge step forward since the Leafs recalled him, with three goals and five points in six games. He added a primary assist on Dakota Joshua’s first period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Groulx told reporters following the team’s 4-3 overtime loss that he has work to do to improve his game, but his newfound confidence is leading the way.

“I’m approaching it pretty well,” he said regarding the opportunity he’s been given. “I think with a lot of confidence. I know what I can do at this level and I think I’m showing it right now. Today I had a couple of 2-on-1s on the PK that I’d like to have back. I had a couple of good shifts with Chelly [Matias Maccelli] and DJ [Joshua] in the o-zone, we were fortunate enough to get one.”

In terms of improving to his game, Groulx said he’d like to put some extra work into his performance in the dot and his overall defensive awareness.

“If I can work on my faceoff game a little bit, how to recognize the situation defensively a little bit faster, I think I can be a good player in this league.”

Groulx also expanded on how much of an impact his confidence has made in Toronto compared to his time with the Ducks.

“Confidence is everything,” Groulx said. “If you’re coming into a game and you’re not confident, you’re going to make mistakes that you usually don’t do. You’re going to be hesitant…I feel like I’m playing free-minded out there, I’m playing with some good players…having a couple of points and a couple of goals here definitely feels great.”

The Maple Leafs will take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night, and Groulx, who hails from Gatineau, Quebec, says he’s looking forward to playing in front of several friends and family crossing provincial lines for the game.

“I played there when I was 23 when I was in Anaheim. I had a pretty bad game, so hopefully tomorrow is going to be different.”

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