A.J. Greer eager to extend stay with Calgary Flames

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A.J. Greer needs to stick with the Calgary Flames.

Talking final week from the Saddledome, the Flames fourth-liner was exceptionally clear on that.

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It has generally felt just like the Flames have had one participant after one other head for exits over the previous couple of seasons.

Greer, although, is the exception.

Along with his contract up on the finish of the season, the 27-year-old is aware of precisely the place he needs to be.

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“Hopefully we are able to get one thing performed, I’ve a child right here and I like town,” Greer stated. “I like the followers and I wish to keep right here. That’s less than me, however we’re prepared and I simply wish to come right here and work my a— off and ensure I’ve confirmed to them that I earned it.”

Picked up off waivers from the Boston Bruins proper on the finish of coaching camp final fall, Greer has match proper in on the Saddledome. He’s a bodily presence on the fourth line who grinds and works and has scored six targets and added six assists in 51 video games this season.

A fractured foot suffered in late January disrupted his season, however he’s been a worthwhile piece for the Flames each earlier than and after the damage.

And because the group’s gotten youthful and traded away veterans, head coach Ryan Huska sees Greer’s expertise over the previous couple of years as being one thing to be realized from.

“Loads of occasions when younger guys come up, they arrive up as offensive gamers and A.J. was no completely different,” Huska defined. “You discover out over your time within the NHL, whether or not it’s brief or lengthy, that ‘Perhaps I’m not that a lot of an offensive participant’ anymore and it’s a must to be prepared to vary your function just a little bit.

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“He’s gone by means of all of that, whether or not it’s making an attempt to get himself to the NHL or within the American League. He had to determine a strategy to make himself an NHL participant each day and he’s performed that. I feel when you have got somebody who understands what a younger man goes by means of and the way they possibly have to vary their sport at a sure time, I feel it simply makes it simpler for anyone who has questions. He’s a man that may reply these questions.”

If the Flames do wish to re-sign Greer after the season, he’ll seemingly be due just a little little bit of a increase from the $762,500 he’s making this season. However he’d nonetheless be an inexpensive choice who understands his function as a fourth-liner and brings a stage of physicality that the group positively likes.

And when Craig Conroy was employed as GM, he spoke about wanting gamers who wished to be in Calgary and enjoying for the Flames.

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Greer completely suits the invoice.

He’s bounced across the NHL a bit and has had some stops within the AHL alongside the best way, however the Joliette, Quebec native likes the house he’s present in Calgary together with his spouse and their recently-born child.

Greer hopes a contract provide will arrive. He’s doing every part he can to earn it.

“Each single day, each single alternative, that I’ve to work arduous, I do,” Greer stated. “I attempt to do additional on a regular basis in follow, video games, so I feel I attempt to do my half every single day and we’ll see the place contract talks lead us.

“I’m optimistic. I’d actually like to remain right here and be a part of this complete motion right here, this youth motion. I feel I can lead these younger guys in sure instructions, simply due to sure issues I’ve been by means of in my profession. I had some success at first of my profession and was within the NHL fairly early, then I bumped into some bumps within the highway on and off the ice which sort of cemented me as an AHL lifer. Then, I labored arduous at getting again into the league. I feel I’ve confirmed I’m an NHL participant and I’m an excellent, depth fourth-liner that may play a sure function.

“I feel that ought to rub off on sure guys, seeing the trail that I took and the way I come to the rink and are available to the ice every single day and work my a— off. Hopefully, it will get performed.”

daustin@postmedia.com

X: @DannyAustin_9

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