The Anaheim Ducks 2018 Second Round Draft Pick Benoit-Olivier Groulx

We continue our break down of the Anaheim Ducks 2018 draft class with an introduction to second-round selection Benoit-Olivier Groulx.

There is no question that the Anaheim Ducks played it safe with their first-round draft pick. Isac Lundestrom was a decent selection for the Ducks. His ability to keep up with seasoned veterans will benefit both him and the Ducks down the road. Especially if he is able to make the transition to NHL ice in the next few years. However, he was a less daring and more predictable selection.

As the draft continued, the Anaheim Ducks strayed from playing it safe. Anaheim set their sights on players who will bring an added layer of depth and intelligence to the organization. Ducks General Manager Bob Murray used his second-round draft pick to select a player who fits that criteria, almost perfectly.

With their 54th overall pick, the Anaheim Ducks chose French-Canadian center, Benoit-Olivier Groulx of the Halifax Mooseheads.

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Who Is Groulx?

Benoit-Olivier Groulx is the son of Canadian, and current AHL hockey coach, Benoit Groulx. However, I must make one thing clear. There are exponential benefits that come with having a father who is a coach. Groulx’s success on the ice, however, is solely determined by his own skill set.

Groulx has spent the last two seasons clad in Mooseheads red, green, and white. During the 2016 QMJHL draft, he was chosen as their number one overall draft pick.

He seemed to struggle to find his footing during his first season. Groulx ended up producing only 31 points (17g, 14a.) It wasn’t a terrible rookie season. However, it wasn’t what you would expect from the first pick in his freshman season. An ankle injury near the end of the season didn’t help his cause either.

However, he came back much stronger in his second season, proving his worth to the team. Groulx posted a total of 55 points (28g, 27a) during the 2017-18 season. With the increased production in his second season, he became one of the leagues top five point producers.

However, he came back a lot stronger in his second season, proving his worth to the team. Groulx posted an overall total of 55 points (28g, 27a) during the 2017-18 season. With the increased production in his second season, he became one of the leagues top five point producers.

Downfall or Development?

I stated earlier that I believe the Ducks second-round pick almost fits Bob Murray’s vision very well. There is a big reason I say “almost.” There is one area of Benoit’s game that I could be a potential issue. Everything I have seen or read about Groulx points to one thing. He isn’t a particularly fast skater.

Hockey is a constantly evolving game. Due to his lack of speed, Benoit risks falling behind. This could be the biggest obstacle to becoming an NHL player. He may be able to keep up in the QMJHL, but the NHL is faster and more competitive.

With that said, Benoit stated in an interview that he is most excited to come to Anaheim because they have an excellent reputation for developing their young players.

Improving his speed is something that he can work on and develop in the Anaheim Ducks organization. That’s why the Ducks are such a good fit for him. It will not come without a lot of hard work and effort on Groulx’s part, but he looks to be up for the challenge.

Next: Has GM Bob Murray Fired Shots At Corey Perry?

All in all, I am happy with Anaheim’s second-round draft pick. He’s a solid player that has plenty to offer the Ducks organization.