The Florida Panthers will be without AJ Greer for the next three games in the 2025-26 NHL season. Following his dangerous hit to a defenseless Connor Zary during Florida’s 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames, the fourth-liner has been penalized by the Department of Player Safety.
“Florida Panthers forward, A.J. Greer has been suspended for three games for boarding Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary,” the NHL’s official statement read.
Greer had hit Zary near the back and neck area of his body as he was stumbling near the boards. The Flames’ centre was driven head-first into the wall because of the unsportsmanlike contact and is now listed day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
Greer suspension history
With the confirmation of the three-game suspension for Greer, the veteran forward has now been assessed the second suspension of his NHL career. The first one had been during his time with the Boston Bruins. Back in the 2022-23 season, he was suspended one game for cross-checking Mike Hoffman of the Montreal Canadiens.
Fans react to suspension
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Because Greer was scheduled for a video-call hearing with league officials, he couldn’t be handed a suspension longer than three games. Fans across the league expressed their disappointment with the Department of Player Safety’s decision, as many expected a much bigger punishment.
“Fire [head of the Dept. of Player Safety] George Parros. This is a joke,” an upset fan wrote on X. “Christmas comes early for Greer and the Panthers. Big shock,” another one stated.
Which games will Greer miss?
As he does the time on his three-game suspension, Greer will be sidelined for the following outings: March 24th vs Seattle Kraken, March 26th vs Minnesota Wild, and March 28th at New York Islanders.
Because the Cats play on back-to-back nights against the Isles and NY Rangers in The Big Apple, Greer may be sidelined for the latter game, as well. He may be back in the lineup when the Panthers return home to host the Ottawa Senators in Sunrise.
How much money will Greer forfeit due to suspension?
Because Greer has been suspended for three games without pay, he will be missing out on significant paychecks. As confirmed by the league, Greer will forfeit approximately $13,281. This is all under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and based on Greer’s average annual salary.
Greer is on the final season of his two-year, $1.7 million contract. Set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer (UFA), if the Panthers don’t re-sign him, he may have trouble finding a new team based on his recent reputation.
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