NHL Will Be Looking at “Cheap and Dangerous Hit” by Greer on Connor Zary

As per Sportsnet’s Eric Francis, “League will be looking at that cheap and dangerous hit by Greer on Connor Zary.” During the NHL game between the Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames on March 20, 2026, Panthers forward A.J. Greer delivered a controversial hit from behind on Flames forward Connor Zary in the third period.

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Zary was carrying the puck into the offensive zone when Greer, after initially hooking him (resulting in a minor penalty), shoved him with two hands right in the back of the numbers. This sent Zary sliding head-first into the boards in a dangerous manner. Zary was shaken up, left the game immediately for the locker room, but skated off under his own power rather than being stretchered off.

Officials reviewed the play and assessed Greer with a 2-minute minor for hooking, a 5-minute major for interference, and a game misconduct, resulting in his ejection from the game. The NHL will likely review the play to assess any supplemental discipline.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism as a dangerous, unnecessary boarding hit from behind, with many calling it dirty or intent-to-injure.

As of now, Greer has received only the in-game penalties and has been fined the maximum under the CBA ($2,391.72) for boarding, but no suspension has been announced yet.

Reactions To the Hit

Jack Joblonski, a former player who was paralyzed on a similar play, wrote, “This hit on Connor Zary is the most dangerous play in hockey & it’s completely avoidable. It’s also unacceptable by AJ Greer. It’s not a hockey play, it an intent to injure with the consequences being a broken neck & paralysis. I was injured just like this. No more.”

Scott Wheeler of The Athletic writes, “AJ Greer with one of the most malicious hits in a long time. This isn’t reckless. You can watch him make a conscious decision in real time. Should warrant a lengthy suspension.”

Jeff Paterson: “Another test for the Department of Player Safety. That Greer hit on Zary is just so stupid. Hope Zary is okay.”

No official update on Zary’s injury status has been released yet, but he did not return to the game. The Flames won the matchup 4-1.

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