Toronto's first roster move hints bigger changes are coming for the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Elliotte Friedman flagged it, and Craig Berube's Leafs made the first move Friday by sending Benoit-Olivier Groulx down.
On 32 Thoughts, Friedman said Toronto was not expected to announce anything early, but changes were coming. Friday's Groulx assignment made that report feel on target.
"As we sit here recording this late Thursday night/early Friday morning, I don't believe there is a plan in Toronto to announce anything early. I do think changes are coming, but we don't yet know what they are."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Groulx is 26, a 2018 second-round Anaheim Ducks pick, and he gave Toronto a straight-line center look during this late stretch. In 2025-26 with the Leafs, he posted 9 games, 3 goals and 5 points.
His contract matters here too. Benoit-Olivier Groulx is on a two-year deal carrying an $812,500 cap hit, which makes him cheap depth and easy to move around the roster.
TSN's note is the real roster clue. Groulx was sent back after nine games, and one more would have forced waivers to return for the Marlies' playoff push.
That turns this into more than a paper shuffle. Toronto kept a useful center available for the AHL run while preserving the option of an emergency recall later.
Why Friedman's read matters now
This is why Friedman was right about change without a headline splash. The Leafs did not swing big Friday, but they started clearing roster lanes for Berube's next decision.
And Berube still has choices to make. Toronto's official roster carries 13 forwards, with Groulx listed among the centers, so every send-down or recall changes the bottom-six picture fast.
Groulx also forced the issue with his play. Before the call-up, he led the Marlies with 27 goals and 50 points in 54 AHL games.
That is why this move feels strategic, not punitive. Berube got a look, Toronto protected an asset, and the Marlies kept a major playoff piece in range.
The bigger read is simple: the Leafs are still sorting depth, matchups, and call-up priorities for the next game and the final stretch. Friday was not the finish. It was the start.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 27|179 ANSWERS Toronto's first roster move hints bigger changes are coming for the Maple Leafs Did Friday's Bo Groulx move signal a bigger Leafs roster shakeup ? | ||
| Yes | 106 | 59.2 % |
| No | 73 | 40.8 % |
| List of polls | ||