Thomas Greiss, a German-born goaltender, embarked on his professional hockey journey in the National Hockey League (NHL) after being drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the third round, 94th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Greiss honed his skills in Germany before making his way to North America, where he initially played for the Worcester Sharks, San Jose's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. His time in the AHL allowed him to develop his game and adapt to the North American style of play.
Greiss made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks during the 2007-2008 season. Over the next few years, he served primarily as a backup goaltender, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his abilities when called upon. His tenure with the Sharks was marked by steady performances, although he often found himself in the shadow of the team's starting goaltenders.
In 2013, Greiss signed with the Phoenix Coyotes, where he spent a single season. His time with the Coyotes provided him with more opportunities to start games, allowing him to demonstrate his capabilities as a reliable goaltender. Following his stint in Arizona, Greiss joined the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2014-2015 season. As a backup to Marc-André Fleury, he contributed to the team's efforts with solid performances when given the chance to play.
The turning point in Greiss's career came when he signed with the New York Islanders in 2015. Over the next five seasons, he became an integral part of the Islanders' goaltending tandem. Greiss shared the net with fellow goaltender Jaroslav Halak and later with Semyon Varlamov. His time with the Islanders was marked by consistent play, and he played a crucial role in the team's playoff runs. Notably, during the 2015-2016 season, Greiss helped the Islanders secure their first playoff series victory since 1993, delivering standout performances in the postseason.
In 2020, Greiss signed with the Detroit Red Wings, where he continued to provide veteran presence and stability in goal. Despite the team's struggles, Greiss's experience and skill were valuable assets as the Red Wings navigated a rebuilding phase. His tenure in Detroit lasted two seasons, during which he maintained his reputation as a dependable goaltender.
Greiss's international career is also noteworthy. He represented Germany in several international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics. His performances on the international stage further solidified his status as one of Germany's top goaltenders.
Throughout his NHL career, Thomas Greiss was known for his calm demeanor in the crease and his ability to make key saves under pressure.
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