Anaheim’s latest trade gives Florida another veteran defender, but the bigger intrigue is whether AJ Greer becomes the next player to stay with the Panthers. The Ducks sent Radko Gudas to Florida for Greer, a move that could quickly turn into more than a simple swap of veterans.
Greer is another potential unrestricted free agent, and Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek made clear the club would like to keep him. “We hope to sign A.J. to a contract and look forward to what he can bring to our club,” Verbeek said.
Greer’s Strongest Season Yet
The 29-year-old forward just posted career highs across the board, finishing with 17 goals, 15 assists and 32 points in 78 regular-season games. He also added championship experience, helping Florida win the Stanley Cup in 2025.
| Player | Age | Key 2025-26 Production | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJ Greer | 29 | 17 goals, 15 assists, 32 points in 78 games | Potential UFA, Stanley Cup winner with Florida in 2025 |
| Radko Gudas | – | – | Traded to the Panthers by Anaheim for Greer |
Greer’s NHL career now includes 81 points, with 36 goals and 45 assists, in 326 regular-season games across the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames and Florida. He also has three playoff points in 16 games, including two goals and one assist.
More Offseason Shuffling Around Florida and Anaheim
The Panthers have already been active in the market, sending Garnet Hathaway to Florida on June 25 in a separate move that involved draft picks. Florida also dealt Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken on June 21 for a first-round pick in 2026 and a conditional second-round pick in 2027.
Anaheim has been busy too, with more roster movement around the deal for Greer. The Ducks traded the rights to defenseman John Carlson to the Carolina Hurricanes on June 27, and they also moved forward Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues and defenseman Olen Zellweger to the Buffalo Sabres on June 26.
The Ducks finished 43-33-6 this season, ending a postseason drought that dated back to 2018. They then reached the Western Conference Second Round before falling in six games to the Golden Knights.