The busy offseason in Sunrise has continued after the Florida Panthers traded for Garnet Hathaway. They have reportedly made this deal to replace their 4th-line forward, who is testing free agency, according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun.
“Hathaway at a reduced $1.2 million cap hit becomes the replacement for A.J. Greer who is going to market Wednesday. Tidy piece of business for Florida again,” LeBrun wrote on X.
Greer had 203 hits and 29 blocked shots last season, while also providing 32 points. Ultimately, he spent most of his time on the fourth line but occasionally shifted up, especially as injuries took their toll on the Panthers. With the team not extending him, Greer will test the market and see which teams are looking for a fourth-line player who can offer the physicality and secondary scoring that he has delivered. Once July 1 hits, there will be some options, as he sees which teams might need his services.
The Panthers traded for Brady Tkachuk earlier in the week, which signaled a major shift in the market. After missing the playoffs, the Cats are determined to make it back to the Stanley Cup. The Panthers might not be done as they attempt to revamp and make some additional moves to complete their team.
Hathaway has been one of the better hitters in the league, notching 252 hits in the 2025-26 season. Additionally, he had 218 in the 2024-25 season and 326 in the 2023-24 season. This highlights the goal of becoming even more physical, as the Panthers look to win their third Stanley Cup in four seasons.
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