A.J. Greer is going Zen.
The A.J. Greer of last season was a worrier. “How long will I be up here at the NHL level? “Will the next mistake give me a one-way ticket to the minors? What if I don’t get another chance?”
The A.J. Greer of the present is trying to just stay in that present. Sensei Greer now goes into things with the mantra, “There is no future, there is no past, there is only the present.”
Given another chance to prove he’s an NHL player, not a minor-leaguer, Greer was recalled by the Avalanche on Tuesday, as forwards such as Sven Andrighetto, J.T. Compher and Tyson Jost are all sidelined with injuries.
“Last year was kind of a hit-and-run kind of game for me,” Greer told BSN Denver after practice. “I need to be able to play at both ends of the ice. Last year, I wasn’t really relaxed. I was nervous. I’ve learned more to just focus on the moment, to enjoy the moment. But I need to just play to my abilities and play with confidence.”
Trying to find the best way to play was something of a struggle for Greer, the second round (39th overall) pick of the Avs in the 2015 draft. In 22 games spread over two seasons, Greer failed to score a goal, with four assists. He seemed to be trying to be an agitator/fighter at times, but that didn’t work out too well.
With the Colorado Eagles of the AHL, Greer played well, posting eight points (two goals) in eight games. That, coach Jared Bednar said Wednesday, is why he was recalled. To stay at the NHL level, though, Bednar said he needs to see more consistency from Greer than the past.
“He’s got to be good on the forecheck, separate guys from the puck and play in the offensive zone,” Bednar said. “As a line, you’ve got to take pucks away from the other team, in the right structure. You gotta win those 50-50 battles to get the puck, and then you gotta make some plays. For him and a lot of other guys right now, to be impact players, you’ve got to be able to make plays on both sides of the puck.”
Greer is expected to be in the lineup Thursday night when the Avs play in Calgary at the Saddledome. At practice Wednesday, he skated on a line with Sheldon Dries and Marko Dano.
“After they sent me down, I kept dreaming about coming back here,” Greer told BSN Denver. “I love being here, and for me, it’s eye-opening what hard work can do.”
NOTEBOOK
- After practicing (albeit in a non-contact jersey) on Tuesday, Tyson Jost did not skate at all on Wednesday and will not make the two-game Western Canadian trip. Bednar said the doctors have yet to clear him for contact. Jost is listed as out with a head injury.
- J.T. Compher (head) also did not skate. He will miss his seventh straight game, against the Flames.
- Semyon Varlamov will start for the Avs against the Flames, while Philipp Grubauer will get the start against the Canucks.
- Vladislav Kamenev will start at second-line center against the Flames, skating with Alexander Kerfoot and Colin Wilson.
0 Comments (8 conversations)
KCRybek
Hey welcome back AJ, now try to make an impact while playing 5 minutes with 4th line guys
Avsolutely
What an opportunity for Kamenev and AJ! Dries, Greer, Dano? That line gets just over 5 mins.
Cerveau
So we have one incredible top line, and three so-so lines.
Actually the Soderberg line has some definition… but the other two have struggled to find themselves.
In any case, if we lose any one of the top line players to injury, we’re gonna be in for a really difficult time.
Maybe it’s time to trade for some better talent for the second line.
Bob_W
This is an opportunity for bottom six players and developing players to develop and/or step up. The Avs are still a developing team so there is no need to panic or trade for high contract players.
JDC15
One criticism of Bednar is his handling of the forwards outside the top line. Greer is a prime example of how young player growth can be stunted by not being put on a line with solid vets that allow them to play. I would love to see Greer get a chance on a line w/Soda and Kerfoot where he could forecheck and shoot or basically play a simple game.
Rich
Hopefully A.J. gets a chance this time around to prove that he belongs in the NHL. He deserves a chance to hold down a position in the bottom 6. He has the size, physicality and some offensive upside to belong. Good luck AJ!
DoubleD
So many good players in the pipeline, and two first round picks this year, as much as we like Greer and Kamenev they only have this season to cement themselves in the rotation. Kaut, Bowers, Shyvrev, Lewis, Ranta all going to be knocking on the door the next two years for ice time. Just hope Joe rotates out Bourke, Nieto, oft injured Sven and maybe Wilson in favour of the youth. Plus who knows how free agents signings go if he can find more Calverts. It’s now or forever Eagles for these guys.
B
Better for young guys trying to find their game to play 15-20 minutes per night in the A than 5-12 minutes in the N. See Mikko Rantanen.
bjjones05
Good to see Vlady finally getting a chance to play with decent linemates. He can be a great player for this team if he’s on the right line!