Panthers’ 17-Goal Guy Going to Market: Oilers Make a Lot of Sense

Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer is set to test free agency, according to a report by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. During his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman suggested that, on the heels of a 17-goal season, Greer might be looking to cash in and will eye of the UFA market on July 1.

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That will lead to questions about where he might fit. In Edmonton, it would make sense if the Oilers see him as a possible third-line forward with the potential to play a bigger role.

Edmonton arguably needs a top-six winger. They’ve tried pieces like Viktor Arvidsson and Andrew Mangiapane with little success. To assume Greer would suddenly be a different story is a reach. The difference here is that he’s also a solid bottom-six option if his goal-scoring doesn’t continue at the level it reached during the 2025-26 season.

Greer put up 17 goals, averaging just over 12 minutes per game. He made the most of the minutes he was given. He’s a left-winger, who hits (he led the Panthers with 203) and ranked in the Top 20 in that category across the NHL. He’s got size and speed and he had 113 PIMs. He’s not afraid to mix it up.

The Oilers need more of that in their lineup. A team that has some sandpaper, but arguably not enough, Greer would be a nice, versatile piece. He doesn’t play a lot of penalty kill time (only 34 seconds per game), but he can do it.

The Price for Greer Is the Issue

The question is price. If Greer is looking to cash in, one would assume it would take a hefty offer to leave the Panthers. A competitive team that had a bad season, Florida should be back in the mix next season, and it’s a tax-free state. Greer would be looking for an overpayment, and that’s not something the Oilers can be wrong about.

The Oilers have enough cap space to make a run at him, but if they overpay, it complicates things. Too much money spent on a depth guy — who may or may not be able to hang in the top six — means less money for goaltending help or to re-sign players like Connor Murphy or Jason Dickinson.

At the right price and term, it makes sense. If teams get into a bidding war for Greer, the Oilers are probably out.

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