Panthers Pull Blockbuster: Florida Ships AJ Greer’s Rights to Ducks for Fan-Favorite Radko Gudas

Florida Panthers forward AJ Greer is once again in the spotlight—this time for both a three-game suspension and the growing expectation that he will test the NHL free-agent market on July 1. The convergence of discipline and contract intrigue has thrust the 29-year-old power winger into trending status just weeks after his career-best 2025-26 season. Suspension fuels interest On Saturday, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety handed Greer a three-game ban for boarding Calgary Flames rookie Connor Zary late in the third period of Florida’s 4-2 win. League officials cited the hit’s “predatory angle and excessive force,” noting that Greer’s prior history—he served a one-game suspension with Boston in 2023—factored into the length of the penalty. The Panthers will have to navigate upcoming games against Metropolitan-division contenders without one of their most physical skaters. What the Panthers lose Greer set career highs this season with 16 goals, 19 assists and 247 hits while averaging just 11:58 of ice time. His ability to forecheck relentlessly and spark momentum shifts made him a staple on head coach Paul Maurice’s fourth line. In Greer’s absence, Florida is expected to elevate rugged winger Jonah Gadjovich, while prospect Mackie Samoskevich has been recalled from AHL Charlotte for additional forward depth. Free-agency watch begins While the suspension dominates headlines today, league executives are equally focused on Greer’s contract status. Multiple insiders confirm that the Québec City native intends to explore unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career, banking on a salary-cap jump projected to reach $92 million in 2026-27. Greer, who earned $1.4 million this season, could triple that figure on the open market thanks to his blend of size (6-3, 209 lbs), improved discipline and emerging secondary scoring. Potential landing spots The Hockey News lists the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken as early frontrunners if Greer reaches July 1 without an extension. All three clubs finished in the bottom half of the league in hits per game and have cap space to accommodate a multi-year deal in the $3–3.5 million AAV range. Florida’s cap crunch Keeping Greer would require gymnastics from Panthers GM Bill Zito. Florida already has $80.6 million committed to 18 roster players for 2026-27, with internal raises due for Anton Lundell and Gustav Forsling. Sources indicate that the Panthers have offered Greer a two-year pact worth approximately $2.25 million annually, but the winger’s camp is believed to be targeting term of at least three years. Why teams covet Greer 1. Proven physical edge: Greer ranked seventh league-wide in hits among players with fewer than 13 minutes per game, giving coaches a built-in energy option. 2. Offensive uptick: His 35 points shattered previous career highs, suggesting untapped upside if deployed in a middle-six role. 3. Playoff résumé: Greer’s four-point, 34-hit performance during Florida’s 2025 run to the Eastern Conference Final showcased a style built for spring hockey. What’s next Greer is eligible to return on July 5, but if the Panthers bow out of the postseason early, the winger’s next appearance could be in a different sweater. Expect trade chatter to intensify ahead of the June 15 buyout window; a mid-round draft pick could entice Florida to recoup value rather than lose him for nothing. Search surge explained Fans searching “AJ Greer suspension,” “AJ Greer free agent,” and “AJ Greer Panthers contract” have spiked 400 percent this week. With disciplinary drama intersecting perfectly with contract-year stakes, Greer’s name is poised to remain a top hockey query through free-agency frenzy. Bottom line Whether he re-signs in Sunrise or cashes in elsewhere, AJ Greer’s mix of sandpaper and scoring has made him one of the most compelling storylines of the NHL offseason.