A.J. Greer: The Perfect Free Agent Target for the Canadiens

As the summer approaches, Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes faces a pivotal off-season. With the need for a second-line center and a right-shot defenseman on the horizon, the Canadiens are also looking to bolster their front line with some much-needed depth and grit. While Montreal showed improvement in physicality compared to their previous playoff encounters, it was evident that the team could still benefit from a player who brings that extra edge.

Josh Anderson has demonstrated his ability to add toughness, but as he enters the final year of his contract at age 32, the Canadiens may need to look for alternatives. Zach Bolduc has potential to step up in this area, yet relying solely on him may not suffice. This brings attention to a player who is set to hit the free agency market on July 1: A.J. Greer.

Greer’s roots in Joliette add a personal touch to his potential fit with the Canadiens, but it’s his playing style that truly makes him an intriguing target. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 209 pounds, Greer utilizes his physicality effectively on the ice. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 203 hits, following up with 222 hits the prior year. Greer isn’t just a big body; he’s willing to engage physically and is not afraid to drop the gloves when necessary, showcasing a level of toughness that could benefit the Canadiens.

In addition to his physical game, Greer also demonstrated a scoring touch last season, tallying 32 points in 78 games—nearly doubling his prior season’s output of 17 points in 81 games. Whether this increase in production is a sign of his maturation as a player remains to be seen, but it certainly adds to his appeal as a potential acquisition.

Adding to his credentials, Greer is a Stanley Cup champion, having secured a ring during his rookie season with the Florida Panthers. This experience could be invaluable for a young Canadiens squad, which features only one other Cup winner in Alex Newhook. Last season, Greer carried a cap hit of $850,000, but with his rising performance, he is expected to seek a significant raise. With the recent six-year, $3.3 million deal given to Michael McCarron by the Minnesota Wild, Greer’s asking price could be steep.

While the specifics of Greer’s demands remain uncertain, Hughes must certainly consider making an offer. Following the Canadiens’ strong playoff performance, and with Greer’s local ties, he may be open to joining the team he once idolized as a child. His passion for the Canadiens is evident, having even spent his last $200 to attend a game, and now he could fill his bank account by playing in front of family and friends.

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