Three Potential Destinations for Panthers’ A.J. Greer in Free Agency

As the NHL off-season approaches, the spotlight shifts to Florida Panthers winger A.J. Greer, who is expected to explore the free agent market. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman recently shared insights on his podcast, 32 Thoughts, indicating that Greer’s decision to test the waters is a sound one. The 29-year-old is coming off a career year, showcasing his skills in an elevated role, and with a rising salary cap, he could be poised for a significant payday.

During the 2025-26 season, Greer demonstrated his offensive prowess, netting 17 goals and adding 15 assists for a total of 32 points across 78 games. His physical style of play and scoring ability around the net contributed to the Panthers’ success in clinching the Stanley Cup during the 2024-25 season, making him a valuable asset as he heads into free agency.

Among the teams that could be interested in Greer are the New Jersey Devils, who are looking to rebound after another missed playoff appearance. The Devils struggled to generate offense when star player Jack Hughes was sidelined with an injury. To bolster their bottom six and make their lineup more formidable, the addition of a player like Greer could be pivotal. While the Devils received decent depth scoring from players like Connor Brown and Cody Glass, it wasn’t enough to turn their season around. If Greer can replicate his production, he might just be the game-changer they need.

Another team that might be keen on Greer is the Edmonton Oilers, who are all too familiar with his capabilities. In their recent finals matchup, Greer proved to be a persistent challenge for the Oilers, showcasing his ability to play a physical game. The Oilers are in search of players who can add toughness, pursue pucks aggressively on the forecheck, and contribute depth scoring in lower-line roles. Greer’s track record with the Panthers suggests he could seamlessly fit into what the Oilers are missing, particularly after their hopes for Trent Frederic didn’t pan out as expected.

Lastly, the Pittsburgh Penguins could be another viable destination for Greer. With Sidney Crosby committing to multiple seasons beyond next year and Evgeni Malkin re-signed, general manager Kyle Dubas is delaying any major rebuild. The Penguins successfully identified and developed similar players last season, and Greer could be the next addition to their roster. While he may not skate alongside Crosby or Malkin in the top six, his physicality would add the bite the Penguins lacked against rivals like the Philadelphia Flyers last season. With depth scoring and toughness being crucial needs this off-season, Greer could address both concerns effectively.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.