Following a dominant year in the minors for the Springfield Thunderbirds, forward Anthony Greco entered Florida Panthers training camp with a chip on his shoulder.
Despite being projected as a depth/minors player, Anthony Greco is proving himself as an adequate bottom-six forward at the NHL level for the Florida Panthers during the preseason.
The 25-year-old went undrafted after experiencing relatively successful careers at both the USHL and NCAA levels. Greco was frequently overlooked because he was undersized and considered too small to succeed in the National Hockey League.
Nevertheless, he used the outside criticism as a consistent source of motivation after signing a contract with the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League. Essentially, the lightning-quick Greco would seemingly annihilate the competition at the AHL level.
To start, Greco’s rookie season in 2017 for Springfield was relatively impressive. While participating in 74 games, Anthony Greco recorded a respectable slash line of 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 total points.
The 2018 AHL campaign was essentially Greco’s coming out party, establishing himself as a solidified winger with NHL potential. In 75 contests, Greco registered a solid line of 29 goals and 19 assists for 48 total points.
In essence, as Greco gained more experience, playing time and opportunities, he flourished into an elite-level talent at the AHL level. However, the 2019 campaign would become Anthony Greco’s most successful pro-hockey season to date.
While participating in 75 outings for the Thunderbirds, Greco recorded a miraculous stat line of 30 goals and 29 assists for 59 combined points.
In essence, Greco developed into a superstar playmaking sniper, even earning himself a one-game call-up for the Florida Panthers during the 2018-19 season.
Currently, Greco is battling for a spot on the Panthers’ opening night roster. With few forward spots currently remaining, Greco is still being considered for a position on the fourth line after displaying favorable showings in preseason action. During the 2019 preseason, Greco has recorded a team-high mark of three goals.
Quite frankly, I nor many other Panther fans expected a dominant preseason stint from the native of Queens, New York.
If Greco can continue to perform exceptionally well for the remainder of the exhibition, then Joel Quenneville just may have to reward him with a spot on the team’s opening night lineup versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The undersized Greco isn’t necessarily the strongest forward when on the ice, but his speed and grit unquestionably makeup for his shorter stature.
Therefore, if the Cats desire to take advantage of slower teams comprised of veterans, then utilizing the speed of Greco would be a wise option for Coach Q.
Anthony Greco would provide the fourth line with instant speed, toughness, playmaking, and scoring if inserted following the preseason.
Overall, the unproven Greco has surprised the eyes of many and has a good chance at earning a roster spot on the bottom six once opening night rolls around.