As a lifelong hockey fan, I have been closely following the career of Ben Groulx. He’s a talented player with a strong work ethic and impressive stats. Despite his success in junior leagues and the AHL, Groulx has yet to land a permanent spot in the NHL. However, with a new season underway, there is speculation that this might finally be his year. In this article, we’ll explore Groulx’s journey and examine why this could be the year he finally lands that elusive NHL deal.
Introduction:
The National Hockey League (NHL) is the world’s premier ice hockey league. Every year, players from all over the world dream of joining one of the 31 teams that make up the NHL. One such player is Ben Groulx, a talented young prospect from Quebec, Canada. Over the years, Groulx has been showcasing his skills and has caught the attention of several NHL teams. Could this be the year he finally lands his NHL deal?
Background:
Ben Groulx was born on June 6, 1998, in Gatineau, Quebec. Groulx began playing organized hockey when he was just five years old and quickly showed that he had a natural talent for the game. As he got older, Groulx played for several different teams in his hometown and even played Junior A hockey for the Gatineau Olympiques.
The Juniors:
During his time in Junior A hockey, Groulx proved to be a valuable player for the Gatineau Olympiques. Over the course of his junior career, he played in over 200 games and scored over 75 goals. In 2018, Groulx was drafted by the Syracuse Crunch, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.
AHL Success:
After being drafted by the Syracuse Crunch, Groulx spent the next two seasons playing in the AHL. During his first season, Groulx quickly became a fan favorite and was named the Crunch’s Rookie of the Year. He finished the season with nine goals and 17 assists in 63 games played.
Over the next season, Groulx continued to improve his game and became an integral member of the Crunch’s roster. In the 2019-20 season, Groulx recorded 12 goals and 26 assists in 59 games played. He was one of the team’s leading point-scorers, and his efforts helped lead the Crunch to the playoffs.
The Present:
As of this writing, Ben Groulx remains unsigned by an NHL team. However, there is reason to believe that this could be the year he finally lands a deal. Over the past two seasons, Groulx has proven himself to be a skilled and versatile player. He has shown that he is capable of playing in all situations, including being relied upon to play important minutes on both the power play and penalty kill.
Groulx’s offensive abilities are impressive, but what really sets him apart is his two-way play. He is an excellent defensive forward, and his strong positioning and active stick make him a difficult player to get past. He is also a tireless worker and always gives 100% effort on the ice. These are all attributes that NHL teams covet in their players.
The Future:
There are several NHL teams that could benefit from signing Ben Groulx. As an NHL-ready player, Groulx could step in and make an immediate impact on any team in need of a skilled and versatile forward.
The Tampa Bay Lightning, the team that owns Groulx’s rights, could look to sign him to an entry-level contract. Given his success in the AHL and his skill set, Groulx could be a valuable addition to the Lightning’s roster as they look to repeat as Stanley Cup champions in the 2021-22 season.
Several other NHL teams could also be interested in signing Groulx. The Montreal Canadiens, for example, are in need of centers, and Groulx’s versatility and two-way play could be a perfect fit for their system. The Arizona Coyotes and the Buffalo Sabres could also be potential landing spots for Groulx, as both teams are in need of young talent.
Conclusion:
Ben Groulx has been working hard to make his NHL dream a reality. His impressive skill set and strong work ethic have made him a standout player in the AHL, and now he is ready for the next step. As we approach the 2021-22 NHL season, it will be interesting to see if Groulx finally lands an NHL deal. Whether he signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning or another team, Groulx is sure to make a significant impact in the NHL and continue to impress fans with his impressive skill set and versatile play.
