Two days prior to the start of the 2023-24 season, Calgary Flames general manager, Craig Conroy claimed A.J Greer off the waiver wire from the Boston Bruins. The 27-year-old left winger was relatively unknown around Calgary hockey circles as he only had one full year of NHL experience before joining the Flames. But Greer quickly showed the C of Red what he is all about.
It was an up and down season for the first year Flame. Things were going well but on January 25th against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Greer broke his foot which kept him out of the lineup for a couple months.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
AJ Greer goes awkwardly into the boards and leaves the game.
Hopefully it&#8217;s not as serious as it initially looked.
📽️: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/t3gRLSneNd">pic.twitter.com/t3gRLSneNd</a>
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1750721815000101132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
Because of that, Greer&#8217;s season can be broken down into two different categories: before his injury and after his injury.
<h2>The numbers</h2>
Prior to his injury, Greer was on pace to set new career highs in goals and assists. From October 10th to January 25th, Greer put up six goals and four assists in 47 games. That was good for a 10 goal, 17-point pace over 82 games. Not bad for a fourth line player with limited ice time.
Greer was unfortunately not the same player after returning from his foot injury. He didn&#8217;t score a goal and only put up two assists in 12 games.
The production might not be great, especially post injury. But his underlying numbers actually improved later in the season. The most impressive number of them all was the high danger chances which were 18-14 in favour of the Flames when Greer was on the ice at 5-on-5.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-126315" src="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/greeeerrrrrr-1024x301.png" alt="" width="1024" height="301" srcset="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/greeeerrrrrr-1024x301.png 1024w, https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/greeeerrrrrr-300x88.png 300w, https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/greeeerrrrrr-768x226.png 768w, https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/greeeerrrrrr.png 1226w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
Because of the role he plays, you don&#8217;t expect a guy like Greer to put up huge numbers. His production last season is right where you&#8217;d want it to be for a fourth line forward.
<h2>The eye test</h2>
Greer was acquired by the Flames to add some size, physicality, and toughness to the lineup. Something that was lacking in training camp. His job was to get in on the forecheck, lay the body, and stand up for his teammates when called upon. He did just that. Prior to his injury, he got in three fights and was third on the Flames in hits.
Greer was also able to contribute some offence on top of being a physical force. He showed flashes of skill and a high end shot at times during this season.
<h2>What&#8217;s next for A.J. Greer?</h2>
Greer is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has expressed a desire to return to the Flames. Craig Conroy mentioned in his year-end press conference that he will reach out to Greer&#8217;s agent in the near future.
Calgary has a lot of NHL forwards signed for next season and they&#8217;re going to want to find room on the NHL roster for some of their young players.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-126316" src="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Roster-1024x223.png" alt="" width="1024" height="223" srcset="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Roster-1024x223.png 1024w, https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Roster-300x65.png 300w, https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Roster-768x167.png 768w, https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Roster.png 1248w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
Where does Greer fit in with this current roster? You could send Walker Duehr and Dryden Hunt to the AHL. Even if that happens, the Flames will likely want to find a way to keep Matt Coronato and Jakob Pelletier on the NHL roster.
I just don&#8217;t see where Greer fits with this team next season. If he is willing to take a two-way contract, then I would try to bring him back. But if he is looking for a one-way deal, the best course of action might be letting him walk as a UFA.
<h2>Highlights</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
🔥Flames Goal🔥
AJ Greer beats Andrei Vasilevskiy with a nice wrist shot!
1-0 Calgary
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/Xi2HQUAgW4">pic.twitter.com/Xi2HQUAgW4</a>
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1736237253738045748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
AJ Greer rocks Sam Gagner with a huge hit!
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/oYeMHQ8ot3">pic.twitter.com/oYeMHQ8ot3</a>
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1748922844430705123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
🚨Flames Goal🚨
AJ Greer puts home a rebound created by MacKenzie Weegar!
The Flames are back in this game.
3-2 Edmonton <a href="https://t.co/ZeYZIOmhmk">pic.twitter.com/ZeYZIOmhmk</a>
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1718791391273509143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Flames Goal! 🔥
AJ Greer scores his fourth goal of the season!
Tie game. 1-1 <a href="https://t.co/D0FOVrHYgj">pic.twitter.com/D0FOVrHYgj</a>
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1729358571064959072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-125803" src="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DFO-PlayoffParlayChallenge-727x404_a.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" srcset="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DFO-PlayoffParlayChallenge-727x404_a.png 727w, https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DFO-PlayoffParlayChallenge-727x404_a-300x167.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px" />
Hey, hockey heads! Get ready for The Daily Faceoff Playoff Parlay Challenge! Each game day, answer four playoff prediction questions like who will win the first game, will points be over or under or what will be the highest-scoring period? Daily winners snag gift cards, while each round’s champs pocket cash! Play now at <a href="https://games.dailyfaceoff.com/games/playoff-parlay-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://games.dailyfaceoff.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1713559617862000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2BtUT2jsMc3HWt-hFoEoI7">games.dailyfaceoff.com</a> and prove your puck prowess! It&#8217;s fast, it&#8217;s fun, and it&#8217;s all about hockey! Let&#8217;s go!

Two days prior to the start of the 2023-24 season, Calgary Flames general manager, Craig Conroy claimed A.J Greer off the waiver wire from the Boston Bruins. The 27-year-old left winger was relatively unknown around Calgary hockey circles as he only had one full year of NHL experience before joining the Flames. But Greer quickly showed the C of Red what he is all about.

It was an up and down season for the first year Flame. Things were going well but on January 25th against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Greer broke his foot which kept him out of the lineup for a couple months.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
AJ Greer goes awkwardly into the boards and leaves the game.
Hopefully it's not as serious as it initially looked.

📽️: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/t3gRLSneNd">pic.twitter.com/t3gRLSneNd</a>

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1750721815000101132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
Because of that, Greer's season can be broken down into two different categories: before his injury and after his injury.
<h2>The numbers</h2>
Prior to his injury, Greer was on pace to set new career highs in goals and assists. From October 10th to January 25th, Greer put up six goals and four assists in 47 games. That was good for a 10 goal, 17-point pace over 82 games. Not bad for a fourth line player with limited ice time.

Greer was unfortunately not the same player after returning from his foot injury. He didn't score a goal and only put up two assists in 12 games.

The production might not be great, especially post injury. But his underlying numbers actually improved later in the season. The most impressive number of them all was the high danger chances which were 18-14 in favour of the Flames when Greer was on the ice at 5-on-5.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-126315" src="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/greeeerrrrrr-1024x301.png" alt="" width="1024" height="301" />

Because of the role he plays, you don't expect a guy like Greer to put up huge numbers. His production last season is right where you'd want it to be for a fourth line forward.
<h2>The eye test</h2>
Greer was acquired by the Flames to add some size, physicality, and toughness to the lineup. Something that was lacking in training camp. His job was to get in on the forecheck, lay the body, and stand up for his teammates when called upon. He did just that. Prior to his injury, he got in three fights and was third on the Flames in hits.

Greer was also able to contribute some offence on top of being a physical force. He showed flashes of skill and a high end shot at times during this season.
<h2>What's next for A.J. Greer?</h2>
Greer is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has expressed a desire to return to the Flames. Craig Conroy mentioned in his year-end press conference that he will reach out to Greer's agent in the near future.

Calgary has a lot of NHL forwards signed for next season and they're going to want to find room on the NHL roster for some of their young players.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-126316" src="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Roster-1024x223.png" alt="" width="1024" height="223" />

Where does Greer fit in with this current roster? You could send Walker Duehr and Dryden Hunt to the AHL. Even if that happens, the Flames will likely want to find a way to keep Matt Coronato and Jakob Pelletier on the NHL roster.

I just don't see where Greer fits with this team next season. If he is willing to take a two-way contract, then I would try to bring him back. But if he is looking for a one-way deal, the best course of action might be letting him walk as a UFA.
<h2>Highlights</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
🔥Flames Goal🔥
AJ Greer beats Andrei Vasilevskiy with a nice wrist shot!

1-0 Calgary

🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/Xi2HQUAgW4">pic.twitter.com/Xi2HQUAgW4</a>

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1736237253738045748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
AJ Greer rocks Sam Gagner with a huge hit!
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/oYeMHQ8ot3">pic.twitter.com/oYeMHQ8ot3</a>

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1748922844430705123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
🚨Flames Goal🚨
AJ Greer puts home a rebound created by MacKenzie Weegar!

The Flames are back in this game.

3-2 Edmonton <a href="https://t.co/ZeYZIOmhmk">pic.twitter.com/ZeYZIOmhmk</a>

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1718791391273509143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Flames Goal! 🔥
AJ Greer scores his fourth goal of the season!

Tie game. 1-1 <a href="https://t.co/D0FOVrHYgj">pic.twitter.com/D0FOVrHYgj</a>

— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1729358571064959072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-125803" src="https://publish.flamesnation.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DFO-PlayoffParlayChallenge-727x404_a.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" />
Hey, hockey heads! Get ready for The Daily Faceoff Playoff Parlay Challenge! Each game day, answer four playoff prediction questions like who will win the first game, will points be over or under or what will be the highest-scoring period? Daily winners snag gift cards, while each round’s champs pocket cash! Play now at <a href="https://games.dailyfaceoff.com/games/playoff-parlay-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://games.dailyfaceoff.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1713559617862000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2BtUT2jsMc3HWt-hFoEoI7">games.dailyfaceoff.com</a> and prove your puck prowess! It's fast, it's fun, and it's all about hockey! Let's go!

A.J. Greer was an effective member of the Calgary Flames (prior to his injury)

Recent articles from Robert Munnich

Breaking News