Greer signed a two-year deal with Florida on July 1
First impressions are certainly worth something in the hockey world.
Newly signed Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer introduced himself to the South Florida media on Tuesday.
We know what kind of player Greer has been, full of energy and with a seemingly endless motor, but after hearing him describe what he thinks he can bring to the Panthers table and the kind of person he is, it sounds like this could be another under-the-radar homerun for Florida General Manager Bill Zito.
Greer has played parts of seven seasons in the NHL.
Originally a second-round selection, 39th overall, of the Colorado Avalanche back in 2015, Greer has made stops in New Jersey, Boston and Calgary.
Now 27 years old and with a two-year contract in his pocket, the new father – he and his wife Taylore welcomed their son Jackson to the world in February – is ready to take the next step in his career, and may have found the perfect place to do it.
“Looking at the Panthers and watching their run this year, and also being on the Bruins team last year and competing with them in the first round, you noticed a lot of really good things,” Greer said. “You see how well they stick up for each other and how well they play to their game plan. I think every night they give it, and they’re a team in the league that comes in with so much energy and so much pace to their game, they’ve got so many great players up front, in the back end, and obviously you got Bob in net. I'm really excited, really, really excited to join this group, because obviously there is great talent, but I also think there's great coaching and there's great respect in that locker room. You can tell on the ice, guys just buy into the game plan.”
The way that the Panthers have played under Head Coach Paul Maurice has taken the league by storm.
Florida brought playoff-style physicality and intensity to the regular season, and proved that just because you turn everything up a notch, it doesn’t mean you can’t sustain it beyond the reach of a postseason run.
As far as Greer is concerned, it’s exactly the kind of style he wants to play, and feels he’s built for exactly that.
“I’m looking forward to it, just to add some pace to that locker room,” he said. “I'm a big power forward, but I can play both ends. I take care of the defensive side of things, but I can also play offensively, and I'm great on the forecheck. That's something I pride myself on. The thing that I pride myself the most, though, is my hard work, and you guys are going to see that. It's what got me to where I am today, and that's not going to stop. I'm going to give my 110% every time I'm out there.”
It sure seems like Greer will enjoy playing for Maurice and that there could be a good fit for both the player and the team.
Perhaps that’s why Florida has been on Greer’s radar, and vice versa, during recent offseasons.
“They did show interest in the last few years, so once they came into the conversation, it pretty much was an easy decision, especially with the success they've been having,” Greer said of signing with the Panthers.
Not only does Greer have a strong understanding of his role and place in the game, but he also brings the combination of confidence and worth ethic that breeds success.
“Coming in as a bottom six player, I want to make sure that I bring my A-Game every single night,” he said. “I think they know what to expect, but I think I might surprise a few people. I’m very confident in what I bring, in my game, and I think on and off the ice. You'll see I have a great personality and I’m hoping to be a fan favorite out in South Florida, but I'm just excited to get things going, and I really think I can improve the bottom six here.”
On paper, it sure looks like Greer and the Panthers are a match made in heaven.
We’ll see in a few months if that translates to the ice.
Having played in South Florida more than a few times during his career, Greer is excited to put on a Panthers sweater and skate onto the ice at Amerant Bank Arena.
“Every time I've been in that rink and been around the Panthers, there's always some great energy from the fans and great energy in that building,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
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