Surprising Name Could Be Panthers' Most Popular Trade Piece

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer plays the puck during 2026 game.

The Florida Panthers are approaching a critical stretch before the March 6 trade deadline, and their direction could, interestingly enough, determine whether depth winger A.J. Greer becomes a popular target around the league. 

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, if Florida slips further out of the playoff race, interest in Greer is expected to grow as contenders search for physical, low-cost bottom-six help.

The odds are not in the Panthers' favor right now, as they sit eight points back of the Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card spot with 25 games to go.

Fourth Period: Trade Interest in A.J. Greer Could Grow

General manager Bill Zito has made it clear that the next week will determine whether the team adds or subtracts. 

If the Panthers fall further behind, they are viewed as short-term sellers, with several pending unrestricted free agents available. Greer is among the most attractive of that group.

The 29-year-old winger is in the final year of his deal with a modest $850,000 cap hit, making him an easy fit for cap-strapped contenders. 

With Florida unlikely to move core pieces from a roster expected to rebound next season, moving expiring depth players like Greer could allow the organization to recoup assets rather than risk losing them for nothing in July.

Career Year and Physical Edge Boost Greer’s Value

Greer is enjoying the most productive season of his career, posting 11 goals and 21 points through 57 games while taking on an expanded role due to injuries. His previous career-high in goals was six, which he set in 2023-24 and tied last year. 

He's also bumped up his previous career-high in average time on ice by over two minutes, sitting this season at an average of 11:47 per game.

His impact goes well beyond scoring, as anyone who's watched a Panthers' playoff game would notice. He leads the Panthers with 145 hits and 88 penalty minutes, bringing the physical identity that playoff teams love to try to add at the deadline.

In 16 career playoff games, Greer has recorded two goals, three points, and a whopping 53 hits.

With about a week to go before the trade deadline, Greer is looking like one of the most likely candidates to be dealt by the Panthers this year.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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