Rangers center calls signing decision ‘no brainer’ despite likely assignment to minors
Bo Groulx is aware that he’s a long shot to make the New York Rangers opening-night roster. But that doesn’t stop the 24-year-old center from believing signing with the Rangers was the right decision for his career this past offseason.
“I signed here for a little bit of a change of scenery, I spent four years in Anaheim and I think it was time for both parties to split ways,” Groulx explained Friday. “The Rangers were pretty much the first team to call and … it was a no brainer for me with the culture here, the organization, the chance.”
A second-round pick by the Anaheim Ducks (No. 54) in the 2018 NHL Draft, Groulx has one goal and five points in 65 NHL games. He spent all of last season with the Ducks, who finished 30th in the NHL with 59 points. He played 45 games and had two assists.
The two-way center would need to beat out Sam Carrick and Jonny Brodzinski to earn a roster spot, a tall order. However, he already has lasted longer in camp than Jake Leschshyn, a similar player with some NHL experience, who was placed on waivers Friday and is expected to be assigned to Hartford of the American Hockey League, assuming he clears.
“I take it day by day,” Groulx said. “I’ve made the mistake in the past to look forward and have a ton of expectation about cracking the lineup or whatever. I think that did absolutely no good for me.”
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Groulx played in the Rangers’ preseason opener, a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden last weekend. He logged more than 12 minutes in ice time, had two shots on goal and two hits, but lost six of seven face-offs.
“I think the first game I played against Boston was pretty average game. Different system, different everything. I think it was big learning curve,” Groulx explained. “Hopefully, if I get another game I’ll be better for sure and prove that I belong in the NHL.”
At worst, the Rangers have themselves a solid AHL player who’s available with NHL experience if needed in a callup. Groulx scored 18 goals and had 39 points with San Diego of the AHL two seasons ago, and has an offensive upside based on his quality production with Halifax in the QMJHL.
For now, he remains in Rangers camp, waiting for that next opportunity. Halfway through the preseason, though, that decision to assign him to Hartford could be coming soon. No matter, Groulx stands by his decision to sign with the Rangers on July 2.
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