Maple Leafs sent Bo Groulx to the Marlies one game before losing him, it wasn’t a demotion
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
On Friday, the Toronto Maple Leafs demoted Bo Groulx but it wasn't due to a struggling performance but rather a way to protect him as he's going to be a factor in the future of the team.
Bo Groulx has been great in his short time this season with the Maple Leafs. In 9 games he has five points (3 goals, 2 assists) and while also playing above average defence.
The Maple Leafs made the announcement on X:
Now the decision may rub fans the wrong way as Groulx was giving the Maple Leafs a lot of life recently, however there is a method to the madness.
One more game would have meant Groulx could have been snatched away without a fuss
According to the NHL waiver rules, a player has to be placed on waivers in order to be sent to the minors if they play 10 or more games and after already being waived once (which has happened to Groulx).
With Groulx only playing in nine games, this is a strategic move flat-out, and he would be able to be recalled on an emergency basis as well, though right now his focus is going to be on the AHL Playoffs.
He was a standout all season for the Marlies where he had 50 points in 54 games (27 goals, 23 assists) and there's a good reason why Toronto needs to keep him around.
Lacking real centre depth, Groulx is someone who can come in and lock down the 3C spot, adding a lot of high-energy play with a solid defensive skillset and clear offensive chops.
Though he only had 65 NHL games prior to this season, you'd never notice it. There was some genuine chemistry built up pretty quickly with Dakota Joshua and we could be seeing him and Groulx attached at the hip next season.
The real focus for Groulx now begins: The Calder Cup awaits
Now though, Groulx is going to be focused on helping the Marlies in the AHL playoffs, and barring a complete catastrophe; he's headed to the postseason.
The team will absolutely love to have his two-way play back and it'll also be a bit of a burden off the shoulders of guys like Logan Shaw and Alex Nylander who have been leading the team in his stead.
If Toronto does need to recall him they can, but with only a handful of games remaining and a lost season; it's about protecting Groulx, giving him prime reps in the postseason and he has nothing left to prove.
The demotion will not sit well with fans, as they loved Groulx and what he brought to the Maple Leafs. But, if Toronto wasn't smart about it, they certainly would have lost him which would make fans even more furious with management.
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