Panthers Celebrate Milestone in Star Wars Night Matchup with Mammoth

Florida honors former players as A.J. Greer plays in his 300th NHL game

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The Florida Panthers will host the Utah Mammoth on Star Wars Night, celebrating several milestones. Forward A.J. Greer will play in his 300th NHL game, while the team will honor former players Nate Schmidt and Vitek Vanecek, who were part of last year's Stanley Cup championship team. The Mammoth also features some familiar faces, including 2024 Cup champion Kevin Stenlund and former Panthers prospect Lawson Crouse.

Why it matters

This game marks an important milestone for Greer, who has worked hard to establish himself in the NHL. The Panthers are also recognizing the contributions of Schmidt and Vanecek, who played key roles in the team's championship run. The matchup also features several players with ties to both franchises, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the game.

The details

Greer, who was acquired by the Panthers in 2020, will become the 300th player in franchise history to reach the 300-game milestone. The team will also honor Schmidt and Vanecek, who were part of last year's Stanley Cup-winning squad. The Mammoth roster includes 2024 Cup champion Kevin Stenlund, as well as former Panthers prospect Lawson Crouse, who was the team's first-round pick in 2015.

  • A.J. Greer will play in his 300th NHL game tonight.
  • The Panthers will honor Nate Schmidt and Vitek Vanecek during the first period.

The players

A.J. Greer

A forward for the Florida Panthers who is playing in his 300th NHL game.

Nate Schmidt

A former player for the Florida Panthers who was part of the team's Stanley Cup championship last season.

Vitek Vanecek

A former player for the Florida Panthers who was part of the team's Stanley Cup championship last season.

Kevin Stenlund

A forward for the Utah Mammoth who was part of the 2024 Stanley Cup championship team.

Lawson Crouse

A forward for the Utah Mammoth who was the Florida Panthers' first-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“It reminds you of all the hard work and all the sacrifices you've put in. It's an honor to be able to play 300 games in this league and chase even more. It's an important milestone. It keeps you grounded and makes you appreciate all the things that you do.”

— A.J. Greer

“The last time they played here were a lot of good memories for them. They are a big part of our team here, we are really happy to have them. But I am sure there will be a lot of emotion tonight.”

— Andre Tourigny, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game celebrates the hard work and dedication of several players, both current and former, who have made significant contributions to their respective teams. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and milestones that players achieve in their NHL careers.