Taking a Look Back on the Anaheim Ducks 2018 Entry Draft
By Ciara Durant
Benoit-Olivier Groulx— Center, 2018 2nd Round (54th Overall) Draft Pick
The 2018-19 season was one filled with growth for 19-year-old Benoit-Olivier Groulx. Drafted 54th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, he is currently unsigned with his parent club and spent the season playing with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL.
Bo is often praised for getting the little things done to win, and he proved as much this season. The French Canadian grew by leaps and bounds this year, trying to perfect different aspects of his game while simultaneously helping lead his team to the Memorial Cup Finals.
This is his third season with Halifax, and each year he improves, especially on the score sheet. During his first season in the QMJHL, he posted 30 points. This past season, he finished with 80 points, enough for second on the team in points, which included 31 goals and 49 additional helpers.
The kid is an offensive beast who is more than happy to score goals but also set up his teammates. His leadership skills have not gone unnoticed either, and he earned himself the privilege of wearing the “A”, serving as one of four alternate captains alongside fellow Duck, Antoine Morand.
Unfortunately, he only played 10 games with Halifax during their playoff campaign. However, he was over a point per game player, having 12 points credited to his name, including 4 goals and an added 8 assists. Halifax would make it to the Memorial Cup Finals but fell short of winning it all.
He has recently been one of 37 other players to be invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Development Camp. It is promising to see his development go in such a positive direction. He certainly needs a few more seasons before he is NHL ready, but he could be a promising addition to the Anaheim Ducks in the future.