It was a special teams practice for the Colorado Avalanche as they wait for their next game on Thursday night at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. In preparation, they worked on honing their skills on the power play while ingratiating new faces into their penalty kill units in case they end up being around longer than normal.

One of those new faces getting penalty kill time was forward A.J. Greer, who has played in three games so far this season, registering zero points on four shots on goal while average just 6:51 of ice time.

“It’s really fun,” Greer said of learning the PK system. “It’s a new aspect of the game I’ve learned but obviously, there’s a transition period and teaching involved but I’m always looking to improve and make my game better so it’s fun to be out there and learn something new.”

It’s been a slow start for Greer as he acclimates to life on the fourth line, something he’s also become unfamiliar with in his pro career. Even in his five games with the Avalanche last year, he averaged 13:39 of ice time so the reduced role is forcing him to adjust his mindset.

“It’s hard but…there’s also some aspects of the game that don’t change, like my physicality. Even when I was playing top six [in San Antonio], I was playing physical and creating space for my linemates and I want to keep that going here. But it’s also to give my all every shift. I have limited shifts and I have to do the best I can with what I have. I’m obviously grateful if I play one minute, six minutes, or ten minutes, it’s a special feeling to be here. I’m happy to be here with this organization and the type of guys they have here is special.”

The reduced role hasn’t taken away from his on-ice energy as the highly-competitive 20-year-old understands who he is and what is being asked of him in his current situation.

“I don’t play as much as I do in the AHL which is understandable because we have a great team,” Greer stated. “I have to kind of pick my spots and know what plays to do. It’s just nerve-racking because you don’t want to be the guy that turns the puck over. Especially at a young age, you want to build the coach’s confidence in your first ten games in the league. It’s important to set that tone. For me, it’s to keep things simple and play my game and try to make a name for myself. Getting into little battles after the whistle, kind of showing people that I’m there, sending a message around the league that even if I’m young I’m not being pushed around.”

Not getting pushed around is something he’s built his entire career on as every level he’s played he has left the impression of one who likes to mix it up and fears nobody. In his first NHL game this season, he was involved in several altercations with members of the Dallas Stars after the whistle, most notably Marc Methot. He took his toughness to Sin City with him and when things got chippy, he didn’t hesitate to get into what should have been a fight but was instead called a double minor for Roughing after Pierre-Edouard Bellemare chose not to fully engage with Greer.

It’s still early for Greer as he’s recorded just eight NHL games in his career and he’s still trying to work his way through the nerves that come with trying to carve out a permanent place on a roster.

“I think [the first three games have been] good,” Greer said with a broad smile. “I was a little nervous at first with the puck and stuff and still in practice, I get a little nervous because I don’t want to mess up. That will come with time but the guys have welcomed me pretty well. I’m happy with that and I’ve just been enjoying the time. It’s always a special feeling to know you’re in the NHL and that you wake up every day and you’re realizing your dream.”