For Greer, the game was even bigger than just a sentimental moment. At 25 years old, the winger's window of opportunity to stick at the NHL level is getting smaller, and every chance he gets to prove his worth is immense.
"I've gotten my fair share of NHL looks. I understand how to play. I'm at a point in my career where I'm ready to make the jump," he said. "I'm ready to really showcase what I have in the NHL and what I can do to make sure that fourth-line or third-line energy is ready to go."
Greer, who re-signed with the Devils after being acquired by the team last season, has played the majority of his six-year pro career in the American Hockey League.
"I'm trying to bring my game to the next level and really show that I can play in the NHL," said the former second-round pick (39th overall) in 2015. "Everyone in my position is trying to do that. For me to bring that energy and be focused and ready to go every single day, whether that's practice, games, every opportunity I have to showcase myself and make sure I do my part in making the team win. Every piece of the puzzle counts."
Bringing his game to the next level required a lot of work in this past off-season.
"My game is more rounded. Defensively, I've really dialed that in this summer and made sure that when I was in Utica that was a big part of my game," Greer said. "Having that experience and getting comfortable with the speed and mental game is a big part of playing in the NHL. I just have to do my best in that area, and I think I'll be fine."
While he's rounded out his defensive game, Greer's offensive exploits have thrived in Utica. He has 18 goals and 40 points in 46 games this year, on pace for AHL career highs, while playing in a top-6 role. Though, with New Jersey, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward fills out as more of a bottom-6 type of player.
"In Utica, we need to produce with the minutes that we're playing when you're in the top-6," he said. "For me, being here, limited minutes, I'm just trying to produce and focus on the three zones and playing well, being reliable, playing physical and making sure that I can do everything to help the team win."
"I think he understands how he needs to play. I think he plays hard and plays a physical game," head coach Lindy Ruff said. "Maybe he gets a better opportunity offensively in the Utica level."
This is Greer's second stint with the Devils. He was recalled in January, but a concussion knocked him out of the lineup and he was returned to Utica. Though it was a frightening setback, it may yet prove to have been a best-case scenario.
"It's always scary when you're dealing with head trauma. You want to take care of it and make sure everything is well," he said. "So, I took the time needed. I got great work done from the medical staff here. I got a lot better and returned to play in Utica.
"I feel like that's when my game took off. I had some time to reset, refocus and took the opportunity and ran with it."
Greer ran with it all the way back to the NHL for a second look by the Devils.
"He plays a hard game. He's hard on the puck, physical. He's been good offensively down there," Ruff said. "Really just giving him an opportunity after playing so well there."
