A.J. Greer shined for the Bruins on Tuesday night
Photo Credit: The Boston Globe
For Bruins fans, the long wait came to an end when preseason hockey returned on Saturday. As the Bruins have started the preseason 1-1, they have gotten a glimpse of the future. One off-season signee who is making a case to be on the Opening Night roster is A.J. Greer.
The former second-round pick signed a two-year deal with the Bruins in the offseason and is a candidate for a fourth-line role. In his NHL career, the Joliette native has recorded eight points in 47 games. While he has never been known for his offense, Greer played a vital role as the Bruins won in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night.
In Boston’s overtime win, Greer led the way offensively. He had two goals and was one of the two Bruins skaters to record multiple points. Greer was not afraid of throwing his body around when he wasn’t shooting the puck and landed seven hits. The twenty-six-year-old showed all the characteristics that go into being a solid fourth-line winger.
While Greer will need more games like Tuesday to secure a spot, his impact was felt whenever he stepped onto the ice. The former Boston University standout was not afraid to drop the gloves and did not back down from a challenge. As Jim Montgomery builds his lineup, those will be hard characteristics he looks for.
Additionally, when Greer was asked who he models his game after, he said a former Bruin and Stanley Cup Champion, Milan Lucic.
“Energy, Physical, put the puck in the net and will stick up for his teammates at any time. And that’s who I want to be.”
The Bruins roster is far from set, but Greer shined on Tuesday night. Even if he starts the 2022-2023 campaign in Providence, he could be one of the first players called upon when injuries hit. His next opportunity will come on October first when the Bruins welcome the Flyers to Boston.
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