A.J. Greer Bio
Anthony-John Greer 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.
Early Life and Background
Anthony-John Greer was born on December 14, 1996, in Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, Quebec, Canada. He grew up in a region known for its rich hockey culture, which significantly influenced his early interest in the sport. Greer played minor ice hockey in West Lanaudière and participated in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with his youth team. His early exposure to competitive hockey laid a strong foundation for his future career.
Greer first played midget hockey within Quebec, helping Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix to a silver medal finish in the 2012 Telus Cup. He contributed 15 goals and 28 points in 42 games during the 2011–12 season, showcasing his potential as a skilled player. After this success, he left Quebec to pursue a junior career in the United States, enrolling at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. In his second season, Greer captained the hockey team and led them in scoring with 24 goals and 63 points in 34 games.
Path to Hockey
Greer began his collegiate career at Boston University in the 2014–15 season after initially committing to the school. As the youngest forward in the NCAA, he made his collegiate debut on October 10, 2014, scoring a goal against the University of Massachusetts. Greer contributed with 3 goals and 7 points in 37 games, helping the Terriers finish as regular season champions and claim the Hockey East title.
In his sophomore year, Greer anticipated an increased role but faced challenges in producing offensively. After 18 games, he opted to leave Boston University to further his development with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL. Greer made an immediate impact, scoring 16 goals in the final 33 regular season games and contributing 22 points in 20 playoff games, leading the Huskies to the QMJHL Championship.
A.J. Greer Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Greer signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 1, 2016, marking the beginning of his professional career. He was assigned to the San Antonio Rampage in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the 2016–17 season. Greer made his professional debut on October 15, 2016, scoring a goal against the Milwaukee Admirals. He quickly established himself as a key player, leading all AHL rookies in scoring before receiving his first recall to the Avalanche.
Greer made his NHL debut on November 13, 2016, against the Boston Bruins. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on November 17, 2016, in a game against the Dallas Stars. His rookie season was marked by significant contributions both on and off the ice, earning him the Yanick Dupré Memorial Award as the AHL’s Man of the Year for his community involvement.
Breakthrough (2018–2020)
Greer’s breakthrough moment came when he scored his first NHL goal on February 20, 2019, during a game against the Winnipeg Jets. This goal marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his place in the Avalanche lineup. However, Greer faced challenges, including a suspension for fighting during the 2019 season, which highlighted the intensity of competition in the NHL.
On October 11, 2020, Greer was traded to the New York Islanders, where he signed a one-year, two-way contract. He spent the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season primarily in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, posting modest statistics before being traded to the New Jersey Devils in April 2021.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Greer has been recognized for his contributions on the ice, including his role in the Avalanche’s playoff runs and his community service efforts. He signed with the Boston Bruins in July 2022, where he continued to develop his skills and contribute to the team’s success.
A.J. Greer Award Nominations
Throughout his career, A.J. Greer has received recognition for his performance and contributions to the sport, including his selection for the AHL All-Star Game and various team awards.
A.J. Greer Awards Won
A.J. Greer won the Yanick Dupré Memorial Award as the AHL’s Man of the Year, acknowledging his contributions to the community during his time with the San Antonio Rampage. He also achieved the notable milestone of winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2025.
A.J. Greer Family
Information regarding A.J. Greer’s family background is limited, with no publicly available details about his parents or siblings.
Personal Life
A.J. Greer has been open about his struggles with mental health and has emphasized the importance of seeking help, including working with a sports psychologist. He has been an advocate for the NHL’s “Bell Lets Talk” program, promoting mental health awareness. In July 2019, Greer was involved in a legal incident in New York City, but the charges were dropped after he and a teammate completed community service and paid medical bills for the victim. Greer completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Boston University in 2024.
