{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey player (born 1996)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Infobox ice hockey player | name = A. J. Greer | image = A J Greer 2017.jpg | caption = Greer with the San Antonio Rampage in 2017 | image_size = 230px | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|12|14}} | birth_place = Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, Quebec, Canada | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 3 | weight_lb = 205 | position = Forward | shoots = Left | league = NHL | team = Florida Panthers | prospect_team = | prospect_league = AHL | former_teams = Colorado Avalanche<br>New Jersey Devils<br>Boston Bruins<br>Calgary Flames | ntl_team = | draft = 39th overall | draft_year = 2015 | draft_team = Colorado Avalanche | career_start = 2016 | career_end = }} '''Anthony-John Greer''' (born December 14, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 39th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2015 NHL entry draft, and won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2025.

==Playing career==

===Amateur=== Greer played minor ice hockey in West Lanaudière, and participated in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with his youth team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA|year=2018|website=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament|access-date=January 2, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Greer first played midget hockey within Quebec helping Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix to a silver medal finish in the 2012 Telus Cup. In the QMAAA, Greer contributed with 15 goals and 28 points in 42 games in the 2011–12 season, including scoring the game-winning goal to capture the Championship.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://avalanche.ice.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8478421&view=bio | title = A.J. Greer player biography and profile | publisher = Colorado Avalanche | date = November 12, 2016 | access-date = November 12, 2016}}</ref> He left his native Quebec to pursue a junior career in the United States, enrolling with Kimball Union Academy of New Hampshire. In his second season with Kimball, Greer captained the hockey team, and led the team in scoring with 24 goals and 63 points in 34 games. In the 2013–14 season, Greer enjoyed a brief stint in the United States Hockey League with the Des Moines Buccaneers, recording 2 goals in as many games.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bucshockey.com/news_article/show/308730?referrer_id=602058 | title = Buccaneers weekly release | publisher = bucshockey.com | date = November 11, 2013 | access-date = November 13, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Having previously committed with Boston University, Greer would begin his collegiate career on acceleration in the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://twitter.com/hockeycommits/status/420242932596088832 | title = Hockey commitments listed | author = hockeycommits | publisher = Twitter | date = January 6, 2014 | access-date = November 12, 2016}}</ref> In his freshman year, playing as the youngest forward in the NCAA, Greer made his collegiate debut and scored a goal on October 10, 2014, against the University of Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://dailyfreepress.com/2014/10/10/terriers-score-6-final-period-defeat-umass-season-opener/ | title = Terriers score 6 in final period to defeat UMass in season opener | newspaper = Daily Free Press | date = October 10, 2014 | access-date = November 13, 2016}}</ref> Initially placed in a depth forward role, Greer saw his icetime increase by seasons end, using his size and physical play earning a place on a scoring line in the post-season.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.uscho.com/2015/04/09/greer-brings-grit-to-boston-universitys-second-line-and-goals-follow/ | title = Greer brings grit to Boston University second line and goals follow | publisher = USCHO.com | date = April 9, 2015 | access-date = April 9, 2015}}</ref> Greer contributed with 3 goals and 7 points in 37 games as the Terriers finished as regular season champions and claimed the Hockey East title to clinch a Frozen Four berth.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Boston University Wins 2015 Hockey East Tournament Title |date=2015-03-23 |publisher=Hockey East |url=https://hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres1415/201503/mar23wr.pdf |access-date=2024-06-02}}</ref>

In his sophomore year, Greer anticipated an increased role for the 2015–16 season.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.denverpost.com/2015/12/19/a-j-greer-leaves-boston-university-to-play-in-quebec-major-junior-hockey-league/ | title = A. J. Greer leaves Boston University to play in QMJHL | newspaper = Denver Post | date = December 19, 2015 | access-date = December 19, 2015}}</ref> Unable to produce offensively and unwilling to accept reduced minutes in a checking-line role, Greer opted to leave the Terriers after 18 games to further his development in his native Quebec with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL on December 19, 2015.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/22/hockey-roster-takes-another-hit/iUJGDnaRnt3iyW8GmYkk6O/story.html | title = BU Hockey roster takes another hit | newspaper = Boston Globe | date = December 22, 2015 | access-date = December 22, 2015}}</ref> In joining the top ranked Huskies, Greer immediately made an impact offensively, contributing with 16 goals in the final 33 regular season games. Placed on the top scoring line in the post-season and serving as an alternate captain, Greer posted 22 points in 20 games as the Huskies captured the QMJHL Championship before losing in the Memorial Cup final.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/news/memorial-cup-final-greer-rouyn-noranda/c-280827628 | title = Greer, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies advance run to Memorial Cup | publisher = National Hockey League | date = May 28, 2016 | access-date = May 28, 2016}}</ref>

===Professional=== Continuing his development path, Greer ended his brief QMJHL career to turn professional, signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 1, 2016.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-signs-a-j-greer/c-888337 | title = Avalanche signs A. J. Greer | publisher = Colorado Avalanche | date = July 1, 2016 | access-date = July 1, 2016}}</ref> After attending his first training camp with the Avalanche and eligible to compete in the American Hockey League, Greer was assigned to the San Antonio Rampage.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-reduces-roster-to-30/c-282297504 | title = Avalanche reduces roster to 30 | publisher = Colorado Avalanche | date = October 3, 2016 | access-date = October 3, 2016}}</ref> In the 2016–17 season, Greer made his professional debut with the Rampage, scoring a goal in a 2–1 defeat to the Milwaukee Admirals on October 15, 2016.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://theahl.com/game-summary?game_id=1015922 | title = Admirals open season with win over Rampage | publisher = American Hockey League | date = October 15, 2016 | access-date = October 15, 2016}}</ref> Making a seamless transition to the professional level, Greer was leading the Rampage and all AHL rookies in scoring before he received his first recall to the Colorado Avalanche on November 12, 2016.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.sarampage.com/news/avalanche-recall-forward-a.j.-greer/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161124091901/http://www.sarampage.com/news/avalanche-recall-forward-a.j.-greer/ | url-status = usurped | archive-date = November 24, 2016 | title = Avalanche recall forward A.J. Greer | publisher = San Antonio Rampage | date = November 12, 2016 | access-date = November 12, 2016}}</ref> He made his NHL debut with the Avalanche in a 2–0 defeat to the Boston Bruins on November 13, 2016.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/13/a-j-greer-nhl-debut-avalanche/ | title = Silver lining: A. J. Greer makes solid debut | newspaper = Denver Post | date = November 13, 2016 | access-date = November 13, 2016}}</ref> Following a brief return to San Antonio, Greer returned to record his first NHL point, an assist on a Mikhail Grigorenko goal, in a 3–2 loss to the Dallas Stars on November 17, 2016.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20161117_COL@DAL | title = Eaves caps 3 goal 1st period in win over Avalanche | work = CBS Sports | date = November 17, 2016 | access-date = November 17, 2016}}</ref>

After his fifth game with the Avalanche, Greer was returned to the Rampage and continued his scoring pace, earning a rookie record with an assist in seven straight games, tying a franchise record for all skaters. He was selected alongside Spencer Martin as San Antonio's representatives at the AHL All-Star Game.<ref name = "All-Star">{{cite web | url = http://www.sarampage.com/news/forward-aj-greer-goaltender-spencer-martin-selected-to-2017-ahl-all-star/ | title = A.J. Greer and Spencer Martin selected to All-Star Game | publisher = San Antonio Rampage | date = January 5, 2017 | access-date = January 5, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170412061846/http://www.sarampage.com/news/forward-aj-greer-goaltender-spencer-martin-selected-to-2017-ahl-all-star/ | archive-date = April 12, 2017 | url-status = usurped }}</ref> As the team struggled down the stretch of the regular season, Greer appeared in 63 games for 38 points before injury concluded his rookie season. His contributions off the ice to the San Antonio community were recognized as he was awarded the Yanick Dupré Memorial Award as the AHL's Man of the Year.<ref name = "Yanick">{{cite web | url = http://theahl.com/greer-named-ahl-man-of-the-year | title = Rampage's Greer named AHL Man of the Year | publisher = American Hockey League | date = April 11, 2017 | access-date = April 11, 2017 | archive-date = June 14, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614095209/https://theahl.com/greer-named-ahl-man-of-the-year | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Greer scored his first NHL goal on February 20, 2019, when he scored the last goal in the Avalanche's 7–1 win against the Winnipeg Jets. With 33.5 seconds left, Greer jammed the puck in against Connor Hellebuyck.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://milehighsticking.com/2019/02/21/colorado-avalanche-forward-aj-greer-scores-1st-nhl-goal/ | title=Colorado Avalanche Forward AJ Greer Scores 1st NHL Goal | publisher = milehighsticking.com | date=February 21, 2019}}</ref>

On October 19, 2019, in a game against the Milwaukee Admirals, Greer was assessed 40 minutes of penalty time and suspended for six games after he left the penalty box to fight Admirals defenseman Jarred Tinordi.<ref name="goon">{{cite web | title = More trouble for Aj greer | url =https://milehighsticking.com/2019/10/24/colorado-avalanche-more-trouble-for-aj-greer/ | website = milehighsticking.com | date = October 19, 2019 | access-date = October 22, 2020}}</ref>

thumb|Greer as a member of the Calgary Flames in 2023 On October 11, 2020, having been unable to cement a role in the NHL with the Avalanche and looking for more opportunity, Greer was traded by Colorado to the New York Islanders in exchange for Kyle Burroughs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Islanders acquire Greer From Colorado|url=https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-acquire-greer-from-colorado/c-319427648 | website= New York Islanders | date = October 11, 2020 | access-date = October 11, 2020}}</ref> As a restricted free agent, Greer agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Islanders on October 27, 2020.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/islanders-sign-greer-ho-sang-vande-sompel-and-wotherspoon/c-319524110 | title = Islanders sign Greer, Ho-Sang to contracts | publisher = New York Islanders | date = October 27, 2020 | access-date = October 27, 2020}}</ref> In the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, Greer was assigned by the Islanders to AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In a slow start to the season, Greer posted one goal and two points in 10 games with the Sound Tigers before he was traded by the Islanders, along with Mason Jobst, a 2021 first-round draft selection and a conditional 2022 fourth-round pick to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac on April 7, 2021.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/blog-devils-make-deal-with-islanders/c-323381412 | title = Devils make deal with the Islanders | publisher = New Jersey Devils | date = April 7, 2021 | access-date = April 7, 2021}}</ref> He was reassigned to the AHL with the Binghamton Devils later that month.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Binghamton Devils Transactions |url=https://theahl.com/stats/transactions/414/68 |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=AHL |language=en-US}}</ref>

A free agent from the Devils, Greer signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract to join the Boston Bruins on July 13, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bruins sign five players on opening day of Free Agency |url=https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-sign-five-players-on-opening-day-of-free-agency/c-334966010 |website= Boston Bruins |access-date=July 13, 2022 |date=July 13, 2022}}</ref>

Prior to the {{NHL Year|2023}} season, the Calgary Flames claimed Greer off of waivers from the Bruins on October 9, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Flames Claim AJ Greer Off Waivers |url=https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/flames-claim-a-j-greer-off-waivers |website= Calgary Flames |access-date=October 9, 2023 |date=October 9, 2023}}</ref> Remaining with the Flames for the duration of the season, Greer matched his career high in points, and registered a season best 6 goals and 12 points through 59 appearances.

Leaving the Flames as a free agent, on July 1, 2024 Greer was signed by the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to a two-year, $1.7 million contract.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-agree-to-terms-with-forward-a-j-greer-on-two-year-contract | title = Florida Panthers agree to terms on a two-year contract with A. J. Greer | publisher = Florida Panthers | date = July 1, 2024 | accessdate = July 1, 2024 }}</ref>

==Personal life== Greer has been very upfront about his struggles with his mental health and emphasis that seeing a sports psychologist has helped him. He has also been an advocate for the NHL's "Bell Let's Talk" program.<ref>{{cite web | title = milehighhockey.com | url = https://www.milehighhockey.com/2019/11/6/20932321/colorado-avalanche-a-j-greer-and-the-mental-stress-that-comes-with-pursuing-an-nhl-dream | website = milehighhockey.com | date = November 6, 2019 | access-date = October 22, 2020 }}</ref>

On July 7, 2019, Greer and then Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sonny Milano, were arrested in New York City for alleged assault. The alleged assault was reportedly over the victim demanding money after getting Greer and Milano table service at a NYC night club.<ref name="dismissed">{{cite web | title = NHL Players' Assault Charges Dismissed | url = https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e8a75209-a02c-4e0f-9620-efa07c8630cc | website = lexology.com | date = January 23, 2020 | access-date = October 22, 2020}}</ref> Greer was not required to be present for his court date on September 4 and the charges were subsequently dropped in January 2020 after Greer and Milano paid an undisclosed amount for the victim's medical bills and completed community service.<ref name="goon"/><ref name="dismissed"/>

Greer completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Boston University in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dittrick |first1=Ryan |title='An Incredible Feeling' |url=https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/greer-set-to-graduate-walk-the-stage-at-boston-university |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=July 11, 2025 |date=April 10, 2024}}</ref>

==Career statistics== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em;" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Regular season ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Playoffs |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM ! GP ! G ! A ! Pts ! PIM |- | 2011–12 | Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix | QMAAA | 42 | 15 | 13 | 28 | 75 | 13 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2012–13 | Kimball Union Academy | USHS | 30 | 16 | 19 | 35 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2013–14 | Kimball Union Academy | USHS | 34 | 24 | 39 | 63 | 18 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2013–14 | Des Moines Buccaneers | USHL | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2014–15 | Boston University | HE | 37 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 18 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2015–16 | Boston University | HE | 18 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2015–16 | Rouyn-Noranda Huskies | QMJHL | 33 | 16 | 11 | 27 | 57 | 20 | 12 | 10 | 22 | 28 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2016–17 | San Antonio Rampage | AHL | 63 | 15 | 23 | 38 | 78 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2016–17 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2017–18 | San Antonio Rampage | AHL | 35 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 34 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2017–18 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 17 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 29 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2018–19 | Colorado Eagles | AHL | 54 | 19 | 25 | 44 | 63 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 9 |- | 2018–19 | Colorado Avalanche | NHL | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2019–20 | Colorado Eagles | AHL | 47 | 16 | 16 | 32 | 87 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2020–21 | Bridgeport Sound Tigers | AHL | 10 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2020–21 | Binghamton Devils | AHL | 16 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2020–21 | New Jersey Devils | NHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2021–22 | Utica Comets | AHL | 53 | 22 | 30 | 52 | 102 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 2 |- | 2021–22 | New Jersey Devils | NHL | 9 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2022–23 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 61 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 114 | — | — | — | — | — |- | 2023–24 | Calgary Flames | NHL | 59 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 35 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2024–25 | Florida Panthers | NHL | 81 | 6 | 11 | 17 | 130 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 22 |- | 2025–26 | Florida Panthers | NHL | 78 | 17 | 15 | 32 | 113 | — | — | — | — | — |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3"|NHL totals ! 326 ! 36 ! 45 ! 81 ! 448 ! 16 ! 2 ! 1 ! 3 ! 22 |}

==Awards and honours== {| class="wikitable" ! Award ! Year ! Ref |- ! colspan="3"|AHL |- | All-Star Game | 2017 | <ref name = "All-Star"/> |- | Yanick Dupre Memorial Award | 2017 | <ref name = "Yanick"/> |- ! colspan="3"|NHL |- | Stanley Cup champion | 2025 | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Satriano |first1=David |title=How Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were built |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/how-2025-stanley-cup-champion-panthers-were-built |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 20, 2025 |date=June 18, 2025}}</ref> |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Ice hockey stats}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Greer, A. J.}} Category:1996 births Category:Living people Category:Anglophone Quebec people Category:Binghamton Devils players Category:Boston Bruins players Category:Boston University Terriers men's ice hockey players Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Category:Bridgeport Sound Tigers players Category:Calgary Flames players Category:Canadian ice hockey left wingers Category:Colorado Avalanche draft picks Category:Colorado Avalanche players Category:Colorado Eagles players Category:Des Moines Buccaneers players Category:Florida Panthers players Category:New Jersey Devils players Category:Rouyn-Noranda Huskies players Category:Sportspeople from Repentigny, Quebec Category:San Antonio Rampage players Category:Stanley Cup champions Category:Utica Comets players Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen