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Thomas Greiss
Thomas Greiss
Thomas Greiss
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Thomas Greiss (born 29 January 1986) is a German professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for Löwen Frankfurt of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Selected 94th overall in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, he played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Sharks, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Greiss is a native of Füssen, Germany. As a youth, he played in the 1999 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a team from Munich.[1] He developed through the youth ranks of EV Füssen before heading to the Kölner Haie organization in 2002. He made his debut in the German top-flight Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) for the Cologne-based team during the 2003–04 campaign.[citation needed]

The San Jose Sharks selected Greiss in the third round, 94th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.[2] Greiss played for San Jose during the Sharks' preseason games ahead of the 2007–08 season, though he was eventually assigned to the team's then-American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Worcester Sharks. On 8 January 2008, he was recalled to replace German compatriot Dimitri Pätzold as the backup goaltender to Evgeni Nabokov. Greiss started his first career NHL game on 13 January 2008, an eventual 4–3 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.[3] For the 2009–10 season, he served as the back-up goaltender to starter Nabokov.[4]

Greiss with the San Jose Sharks in 2009

On 12 October 2010, just prior to the commencement of the 2010–11 season, Greiss was put on waivers by San Jose, eventually clearing and reporting to Worcester of the AHL. Greiss' demotion was in large part due to the off-season signings of Finnish goaltenders Antero Niittymäki and Antti Niemi.[5] Nine days later, after failing to see any gameplay as Worcester's third-string goaltender, he was reassigned to Brynäs IF in the Swedish Elitserien to provide him regular playing time.[6][7] In April 2011, Greiss was recalled from Brynäs to San Jose for the team's run in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs.[8] He later re-signed with the Sharks on 7 July.[citation needed]

For the Sharks' 2011–12 season opener, Greiss was the team's starter in a 6–3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes in San Jose. He went on to start the next two games—losses to the Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues—before Antti Niemi returned from off-season surgery. Later in the season, Greiss recorded his first career NHL shutout on 26 January 2013, recording 24 saves in a 4–0 win over the Colorado Avalanche.[9]

Greiss became a free agent in July 2013 and subsequently signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. In his only season with Phoenix, he played in 25 games, posting a 2.25 goals against average (GAA) and .920 save percentage. At the end of the 2013–14 season, he was not re-signed by the Coyotes, whereupon he signed a one-year, $1 million contract as an unrestricted free agent with the Pittsburgh Penguins on 1 July 2014.[10] After the 2014–15 season in which he appeared in 20 games for the Penguins, Greiss once again switched teams as a free agent, signing with the New York Islanders on a two-year, $3 million contract on 1 July 2015.[11] In March 2016, Jaroslav Halák, the Islanders' starting goaltender, suffered a lower-body injury sidelining him six weeks, leaving Greiss as the team's temporary starter.[12]

In December 2016, the Islanders waived Halák, leaving Greiss and Jean-François Bérubé as the Islanders' two goaltenders.[13][14] On 30 January 2017, Greiss signed a three-year contract extension with the Islanders.[15] On 15 January 2018, Greiss made a career-high 52 saves in a 5–4 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens.[16]

On 10 October 2020, Greiss signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.[17] Greiss was named the NHL First Star of the Week for the week ending 3 May 2021. He stopped all 66 shots he faced across 130:00 of regulation and overtime. It marked the third time that Greiss had posted consecutive shutouts during his NHL career, and the first time a Detroit goaltender has accomplished the feat since Petr Mrázek did so in January 2018.[18]

On 13 July 2022, Greiss signed as a free agent to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the St. Louis Blues.[19] Featuring in his 14th NHL season in 2022–23, Greiss served as the Blues backup goaltender to Jordan Binnington, and posted seven wins through 21 appearances, as the Blues missed the postseason.

On 12 July 2023, as a free agent from the Blues and despite contract offers, Greiss announced his retirement from the NHL and his professional ice hockey career.[20]

On September 25, 2024, Greiss announced his return to ice hockey by signing a short-term contract with Löwen Frankfurt, following the injuries of Juho Olkinuora and Cody Brenner.[21]

International play

[edit]

In 2006, Greiss earned a roster spot on the German team for the 2006 Winter Olympics; at just 20 years of age, he was the youngest goaltender in the tournament. During the tournament, Greiss notably recorded an impressive 35-save performance against Canada.[22]

Greiss was again named to the German squad for in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Greiss represented Germany at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. While at the event, he drew controversy for liking posts critical of Hillary Clinton on Twitter, including one comparing Clinton to Adolf Hitler.[23]

In 2021, the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) announced that Greiss would no longer be representing Germany at international events, following Greiss' Instagram posts about the death of controversial conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh.[24]

Personal life

[edit]

Greiss' wife Brittney (née Palmer) was Miss South Dakota USA in 2014. Together, they have a daughter.[25]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T/OT MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2003–04 Kölner Haie DEL 1 0 0 0 20 4 0 12.00 .600 — — — — — — — —
2004–05 Kölner Haie DEL 8 — — — 459 16 0 2.09 .936 — — — — — — — —
2004–05 Eisbären Regensburg 2.GBun 1 — — — 60 2 0 2.00 — — — — — — — — —
2005–06 Kölner Haie DEL 27 — — — 1,560 64 1 2.46 .926 9 6 3 533 27 1 3.03 .898
2006–07 Fresno Falcons ECHL 3 1 2 0 180 7 0 2.34 .929 — — — — — — — —
2006–07 Worcester Sharks AHL 43 26 15 2 2,555 111 0 2.61 .912 3 0 3 172 12 0 4.18 .865
2007–08 Worcester Sharks AHL 41 18 21 2 2,424 125 0 3.09 .892 — — — — — — — —
2007–08 San Jose Sharks NHL 3 0 1 1 129 7 0 3.26 .860 — — — — — — — —
2008–09 Worcester Sharks AHL 57 34 20 2 3,346 138 1 2.47 .910 12 6 6 742 30 2 2.43 .912
2009–10 San Jose Sharks NHL 16 7 4 1 782 35 0 2.68 .912 1 0 0 40 2 0 3.00 .929
2010–11 Brynäs IF SEL 32 — — — 1,850 90 2 2.92 .901 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 San Jose Sharks NHL 19 9 7 1 1,043 40 0 2.30 .915 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Hannover Scorpions DEL 9 3 6 0 535 31 0 3.47 .905 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 San Jose Sharks NHL 6 1 4 0 308 13 1 2.53 .915 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Worcester Sharks AHL 1 0 1 0 60 5 0 5.04 .815 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 Phoenix Coyotes NHL 25 10 8 5 1,312 50 2 2.29 .920 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 20 9 6 3 1,159 50 0 2.59 .908 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 New York Islanders NHL 41 23 11 4 2,288 90 1 2.36 .925 11 5 6 734 30 0 2.46 .923
2016–17 New York Islanders NHL 51 26 18 5 2,814 126 3 2.69 .913 — — — — — — — —
2017–18 New York Islanders NHL 27 13 8 2 1,492 95 1 3.82 .892 — — — — — — — —
2018–19 New York Islanders NHL 43 23 14 2 2,294 87 5 2.28 .927 1 0 0 36 2 0 3.33 .800
2019–20 New York Islanders NHL 31 16 9 4 1,596 73 0 2.74 .913 4 2 2 178 6 1 2.02 .929
2020–21 Detroit Red Wings NHL 34 8 15 8 1,756 79 2 2.70 .912 — — — — — — — —
2021–22 Detroit Red Wings NHL 31 10 15 1 1,508 92 0 3.66 .891 — — — — — — — —
2022–23 St. Louis Blues NHL 21 7 10 0 1,090 66 1 3.64 .896 — — — — — — — —
2024–25 Löwen Frankfurt DEL 13 4 8 0 619 37 0 3.59 .886 — — — — — — — —
NHL totals 368 162 130 37 19,569 903 16 2.77 .911 17 7 8 988 40 1 2.43 .922

International

[edit]
Year Team Event GP W L T MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2003 Germany WJC18-D1 2 2 0 0 120 2 0 1.00 .955
2004 Germany WJC18-D1 3 2 0 0 140 8 0 3.43 .867
2004 Germany WJC-D1 2 2 0 0 — — — 1.51 .909
2005 Germany WJC 3 0 2 0 104 13 0 7.50 .806
2006 Germany WJC-D1 4 4 0 0 240 2 2 0.50 .978
2006 Germany OLY 1 0 1 0 60 5 0 5.00 .875
2006 Germany WC-D1 2 1 0 0 61 2 0 1.97 .882
2010 Germany OLY 3 0 3 0 179 15 0 5.03 .815
2016 Germany WC 4 3 1 0 240 10 0 2.50 .904
Junior totals 15 10 2 0 — — — — —
Senior totals 10 4 5 0 540 32 0 3.56 —

Awards and honours

[edit]
Award Year
NHL
William M. Jennings Trophy 2019

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thomas Greiss

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Greiss (born January 29, 1986) is a German currently playing for of the (DEL). Drafted 94th overall in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the , he is the first Germany-born goaltender to appear in at least 100 National Hockey League (NHL) games. Greiss played 14 NHL seasons across six teams, including the Sharks, , , , , and , compiling a career record of 162 wins, 130 losses, and 37 ties with a 2.77 goals-against average and .907 save percentage in 363 regular-season appearances. His most notable tenure came with the Islanders from to , where he served as a reliable 1B alongside , posting a .925 save percentage in the 2018–19 season and sharing the for the fewest team goals allowed. Internationally, he represented Germany at the and multiple IIHF World Championships, though he ceased participation after a 2021 dispute with the German Ice Hockey Federation. After retiring from the NHL in 2023, Greiss returned to professional play in 2024 on a short-term DEL contract amid injuries to Frankfurt's primary goaltenders.

Early Career

Junior Hockey and European Development

Thomas Greiss was born on January 29, 1986, in , , where he began his hockey development in the local youth systems of EV Füssen. As a young , Greiss progressed through the club's underage teams, including stints with EV Füssen U18 in the 1999–2000 season and EV Füssen U20 in the Junioren-Bundesliga during 2001–02, gaining early experience in competitive German junior play. In 2002, Greiss joined the Kölner Haie organization, advancing to their U18 squad in the Deutsche Nachwuchs Liga (DNL), Germany's top junior league at the time. During the 2002–03 DNL season, he appeared in 25 games, posting a 2.16 goals-against average (GAA). The following year, in 2003–04, he recorded 24 games with a 2.61 GAA in the DNL for Kölner EC U18, while also receiving his first professional exposure with one game in the (DEL) for , where he faced 12 goals on 25 shots. These performances highlighted his growth in European junior circuits, emphasizing technical fundamentals over athleticism. Greiss emerged as a butterfly-style , characterized by dropping to his knees to seal the ice with his pads while relying heavily on play-reading to anticipate shots. This approach, honed in the structured German and junior systems, suited the deliberate pace of European leagues but occasionally exposed vulnerabilities in rebound control. His junior achievements culminated in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, where the selected him 94th overall in the third round from U18.

Initial Professional Leagues

Greiss signed his first professional contract with of the () ahead of the 2003–04 season, making his pro debut in one on December 28, 2003, where he allowed four goals in 20 minutes for a 12.00 goals-against average (GAA) and .600 save percentage (SV%). In the following 2004–05 campaign, still with , he appeared in eight s, recording a 2.09 GAA and .936 SV% while splitting time as a , and was loaned for one regular-season and two playoff appearances with Eisbären of the second-tier 2nd , posting a 2.00 GAA in the regular season. These early outings demonstrated foundational competence in handling DEL-level shots, with his SV% reflecting strong rebound control and positioning amid limited ice time. During the 2005–06 season, Greiss established himself as Kölner Haie's primary backup, playing 27 regular-season games with a 2.46 GAA, .926 SV%, and one , then adding nine playoff appearances with a 3.04 GAA and .899 SV%. His performance contributed to the team's playoff run, including a on March 10, 2006, against EHC , underscoring improved consistency and mental resilience in high-pressure European pro play. Following his selection by the in the third round (94th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Greiss remained in to build experience on larger international rinks, honing butterfly-style techniques suited to European puck possession. In 2006–07, Greiss transitioned to North American professional hockey upon signing an entry-level contract with the Sharks, debuting with their (AHL) affiliate, the , on October 13, 2006, in a 3–1 loss to Providence where he made 25 saves. He played 43 AHL games that season, achieving 26 wins, a 2.61 GAA, .912 SV%, and three playoff appearances despite the team's limited postseason success, while logging three games with the ECHL's Fresno Falcons for a 2.34 GAA and .929 SV%. This rookie AHL stint highlighted adaptation challenges to smaller North American rinks and faster-paced play, yet his win total ranked among the league's top goaltenders, evidencing transferable skills from DEL seasoning.

NHL Career

San Jose Sharks Era

Greiss made his NHL debut with the on January 13, 2008, in relief against the , recording 25 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss. Primarily serving as the backup to during the 2007–08 season, he appeared in three games, posting a 0–1–1 record with a 3.26 goals-against average (GAA) and .860 save percentage. His limited regular-season role continued in subsequent years, with most time spent in the developing as a reliable depth option for the Sharks' goaltending tandem. Over seven seasons with San Jose from 2007 to 2013, Greiss played 44 regular-season NHL games, achieving a 17–16 record, 2.52 GAA, .912 save percentage, and one . This performance underscored his effectiveness as a , where his near-even win-loss ratio reflected steady contributions in spot duty rather than starter volume, helping maintain organizational depth amid Nabokov's heavy workload. In the 2010 playoffs, during the second-round series against the —which San Jose won 4–1—Greiss relieved Nabokov in Game 4 on May 7, stopping 26 of 28 shots in a 4–2 that advanced the Sharks toward the Western Conference Finals. Greiss's Sharks tenure emphasized dependable relief and occasional starts, with his statistics indicating a capable of stabilizing games without primary responsibility, a factor in the team's consistent playoff contention. Following the 2012–13 season, he became an unrestricted and signed a one-year, $750,000 with the Phoenix Coyotes on July 5, 2013, concluding his time in San Jose.

New York Islanders and Subsequent Teams

Thomas Greiss signed with the as an unrestricted on July 1, 2015, to a two-year contract worth $3 million with an average annual value of $1.5 million. During his five seasons with the Islanders from 2015 to 2020, Greiss primarily served as the backup to Jaroslav Halak in a goaltending tandem that contributed to four consecutive playoff appearances, including Eastern Conference Finals runs in 2020. The duo's workload-sharing approach emphasized consistency, with Greiss posting an overall record of 101-60-17, a 2.70 goals-against average (GAA), and .915 save percentage across 193 regular-season games. In the 2018–19 season, Greiss achieved career highs in several categories, starting 43 games with a 23–14–2 record, 2.28 GAA, .927 save percentage, and five shutouts, helping the Islanders secure a playoff spot while ranking among the league's top performers in goals saved above average at +7.58. This performance underscored his reliability as a 1B , often stepping into larger roles during Halak's absences or fatigue, though advanced metrics like high-danger save percentage (.938 all-situations) highlighted his positional reading strengths over pure athleticism in a . The tandem's effectiveness was evident in shared shutouts and complementary starts, enabling the Islanders' defensive structure to limit high-quality chances, as both goalies exceeded league-average against in key stretches. Greiss's playoff contributions peaked in the , where he started four games with a 2–2 record, 2.02 GAA, and .929 save percentage, including a 36-save effort in Game 4 of the second round against the . These efforts supported the Islanders' deep run but also reflected his role's limitations as a non-primary starter, with metrics showing positive but not elite variance in goals saved above expected relative to regular-season benchmarks. Following the 2019–20 season, Greiss became an unrestricted and signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the on October 10, 2020, at an average annual value of $3.6 million, positioning him as a veteran presence amid the team's rebuilding efforts. In the 2020–21 season, he appeared in 34 games with an 8–15–8 record, 2.70 GAA, and .912 save percentage, providing stability in a high-volume role despite the Red Wings' defensive challenges and bottom-of-the-standings finish. This stint affirmed his consistency in backup-to-tandem dynamics but highlighted adjustment difficulties against elevated shot volumes, as his save percentage dipped below Islanders-era averages without the same structural support.

Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues

Greiss signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract with the on October 10, 2020, entering the 2020–21 season as a tandem partner to . In that campaign, he appeared in 23 games, posting a 12–6–3 record with a 2.90 goals-against average (GAA) and .913 save percentage, contributing to a Red Wings team that finished one point shy of the . His performance dipped markedly in 2021–22, where he started 28 of 31 appearances, recording a 10–15–1 mark, 3.66 GAA, and .891 save percentage—his lowest career figures at the time—as Detroit regressed to a 32–40–10 record and again missed the postseason. On July 13, 2022, Greiss joined the on a one-year, $1.25 million contract as a backup to . Limited to 21 games in 2022–23 due to the team's reliance on Binnington amid a playoff push, Greiss went 7–10–0 with a 3.64 GAA and .895 save percentage, including one . The advanced to the but were eliminated in the first round by , with Greiss not dressing for postseason action. Greiss announced his retirement from professional hockey on July 12, 2023, at age 37, concluding a 14-season NHL career spanning six teams and 368 games. His cumulative statistics included a 162–130–37 record, 2.77 GAA, .911 save percentage, and 16 shutouts. Late-career metrics reflected a decline from his peak years, with save percentages below .900 in his final two seasons, correlating with increased age and reduced mobility evident in per-game analytics showing slower lateral movement and rebound control.

Post-NHL and Return to Europe

Brief DEL Stint and Final Retirement

Following his NHL retirement announcement on July 12, 2023, after completing the 2022–23 season as a backup with the , Greiss returned to professional play by signing a short-term contract with of the () on September 25, 2024. The deal addressed the team's goaltending crisis caused by injuries to primary netminders and Cody Brenner. Greiss played two games during the initial stint, posting one win and a .914 save percentage, before departing on October 3, 2024, as the injured goalies recovered. He rejoined the club on January 13, 2025, committing to the remainder of the 2024–25 season. In total, across both periods, Greiss appeared in 13 games for Löwen Frankfurt, accumulating 619 minutes with a 3.59 goals-against average, .886 save percentage, and no shutouts. With the DEL regular season concluding in early 2025 and no subsequent professional contract reported, Greiss, then aged 39, effectively retired from competitive as of October 2025. The limited engagement reflected the physical demands of the position at an advanced age and constrained opportunities in elite leagues, aligning with his prior NHL exit amid a saturated goaltending market.

International Career

Representation of

Thomas Greiss debuted for the German senior national team at the in , serving as a in the tournament alongside primary netminder . He returned for the in , appearing in three games during the competition. Greiss also represented at the , where the team secured a —the nation's first in the event since 1976—after defeating 3-1 in the bronze medal game on May 23, 2010. In the 2016 IIHF World Championship, Greiss joined the squad after his NHL team's playoff elimination, posting a 3-1-0 record across four starts with a 2.50 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. The following year, at the , he delivered standout performances, including stopping 41 of 42 shots in a 2-1 upset victory over the on May 5, 2017, and recording 35 saves against during the tournament. Greiss's repeated selections for major IIHF events from to 2017 aligned with Germany's gradual ascent in international rankings, moving from inconsistent top-division participants to more competitive contenders, bolstered by NHL-caliber players like himself providing depth in net. Over his senior appearances, he logged eight games with four wins, a 3.56 GAA, and .889 save percentage, often as a reliable supporting promotion efforts and tournament stability.

Key Tournaments and Performances

Thomas Greiss debuted internationally for at the in , appearing in one preliminary round game against on , where he recorded 35 saves on 40 shots in a 5-1 loss. He returned for the in , serving as a during Germany's group stage exit, though specific game logs indicate limited action amid the team's 0-3-0 record. Greiss's most notable World Championship performances came in the mid-2010s. At the , he compiled a 3-1-0 record across four starts, posting a 2.50 goals-against average and .904 save percentage, including a 16-save effort in a 5-2 preliminary round victory over . The following year, in the co-hosted by , Greiss started four games on the roster, delivering a standout 41-save performance (.955 save percentage) in a 2-1 upset quarterfinal win over the on May 5, which propelled into the semifinals. This victory, backed by Greiss's high-volume denial of NHL-caliber shots, contributed causally to 's medal run, culminating in a silver medal after losses to in the final and an injury-limited role thereafter. Across senior IIHF tournaments from 2006 to , Greiss's starts emphasized reliability in high-pressure scenarios, with his 2017 outing against the U.S. exemplifying superior puck-tracking and rebound control relative to tournament averages, as evidenced by the low goals conceded despite 42 shots faced. Germany's silver marked their first in 64 years, underscoring Greiss's empirical impact in elevating an squad through key containment performances.

Controversies and Political Views

Social Media Incidents and Public Backlash

In May 2017, Thomas Greiss drew significant criticism in Germany for liking several Instagram posts that included politically charged content criticizing Hillary Clinton, such as one featuring an image of Adolf Hitler captioned "Never arrested, never convicted, just as innocent as Hillary," alongside other posts supportive of Donald Trump and right-leaning commentary. The backlash, amplified by German media outlets, focused on the perceived insensitivity of equating Clinton with Hitler, prompting accusations that Greiss's actions reflected extremist sympathies incompatible with national team representation. Greiss issued a public apology on , 2017, stating, "I apologize for interacting with several posts that appeared in my timeline, which were wrong to engage with," and emphasizing that liking them was a mistake without clarifying endorsement of their content. The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) initially defended him, asserting that the likes did not indicate right-wing populist views and that no further action was warranted beyond his apology. Critics, however, argued the incident undermined team values and public trust, while defenders highlighted the absence of direct from Greiss himself, framing the outrage as disproportionate to passive interactions. Subsequent expressions of support for Trump, including posts during the 2020 U.S. election cycle, sustained scrutiny and contributed to broader exclusion from German media coverage of NHL players. For instance, a 2021 review of German NHL performers omitted Greiss despite his on-ice contributions, which observers attributed to lingering political sensitivities rather than performance metrics. Opponents maintained that such views alienated fans and sponsors, potentially conflicting with inclusive ideals, whereas proponents contended that equating partisan preferences with lacked empirical basis, given no verified instances of Greiss promoting or discrimination.

Ban by German Ice Hockey Federation

In May 2021, the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB), Germany's national federation, announced that Thomas Greiss would no longer be selected for the national team, citing values incompatible with those of the organization. The decision followed Greiss's public expressions of support for former U.S. President , including activity perceived as endorsing conservative viewpoints, which the DEB deemed contradictory to its emphasis on inclusivity and unity. DEB officials stated that under the current leadership, no invitation would be extended to Greiss, effectively barring him from events like the despite his ongoing eligibility based on age and professional status. No evidence indicated performance-related grounds for the exclusion, as Greiss had posted a .912 save percentage in 34 games during the 2020-21 NHL season with the , ranking 21st league-wide among qualified goaltenders—a respectable figure underscoring his continued viability as a starter. Prior to the ban, Greiss had been a mainstay for , contributing significantly in tournaments like the 2018 Olympics and multiple World Championships, with no prior on-ice demerits cited by the DEB. This temporal proximity to his NHL competence suggests the exclusion stemmed primarily from ideological misalignment rather than athletic deficiency, aligning with patterns in European sports where progressive institutional norms—often influenced by broader left-leaning cultural pressures in federations and media—prioritize over empirical merit in player selection. The DEB framed the move as safeguarding team values like faith, pride, and unity against perceived divisiveness, positioning it as a defense of inclusivity. In contrast, critics within hockey media and fan communities viewed it as ideological censorship targeting non-progressive opinions, particularly Trump support, which has faced outsized scrutiny in left-leaning European bodies despite lacking direct ties to misconduct or extremism. Such decisions reflect systemic biases in sports administrations, where conservative expressions are disproportionately penalized compared to equivalent progressive stances, as evidenced by the absence of reciprocal exclusions for athletes endorsing opposing politics. The ban terminated Greiss's international career without appeal or reversal, despite his expressed willingness to represent and no formal ineligibility under IIHF rules. This outcome deprived the national team of a proven asset at a time when NHL-caliber talent was scarce, prioritizing symbolic purity over competitive edge and exemplifying causal realism in institutional : political signaling overrides when values are invoked as proxies for control.

Personal Life

Family and Background

Thomas Greiss was born on January 29, 1986, in , , , a town known for its strong local tradition. He grew up in the region and began his hockey development with the youth program of EV , the community's prominent club, which provided early exposure to the sport in a country where it remains niche compared to soccer. Public details on his immediate family origins, such as parental professions or specific influences prompting his entry into hockey, remain limited, reflecting Greiss's preference for privacy in personal matters typical among professional athletes. Greiss married Brittany Palmer, who was crowned USA in 2014, during his NHL tenure. The couple has one daughter, though exact birth details are not publicly disclosed. While based in the United States for his professional career—spending off-seasons near —the maintained ties to , aligning with Greiss's Bavarian roots. Following his initial from the NHL in 2023, Greiss and his relocated back to , where he later briefly resumed playing in the . This return underscores a pattern of residence shifts driven by career demands rather than extensive public commentary on family life.

Interests and Post-Retirement Activities

Thomas Greiss has long pursued as his principal off-ice interest, viewing it as a vital counterbalance to the rigors of professional hockey. He organizes annual summer trips dedicated to the sport with close friends, occasionally involving teammates, and has tackled trails in diverse locales such as the European Alps and . This activity appeals to him for its immersion in natural terrain, offering a physical and mental respite distinct from rink-based training. Post-retirement from the NHL in July 2023, Greiss has emphasized reallocating time toward such personal avocations rather than or sedentary relaxation favored by some athletes, aligning with his affinity for action-oriented pursuits. No public announcements detail coaching, media roles, or commercial ventures as of 2025, suggesting a deliberate shift toward recovery from a 20-year professional career marked by physical demands on goaltenders, including repeated injury risks from high-impact saves.

Career Statistics and Achievements

NHL Regular Season and Playoffs

Thomas Greiss compiled 368 () in the NHL regular season across 14 seasons with six teams, recording 162 wins, 130 losses, and 37 overtime losses, a (GAA) of 2.76, a save percentage (SV%) of .912, and 16 shutouts (SHO). His workload varied, with higher game totals in peak years correlating to stronger metrics, while reduced starts in later seasons aligned with performance declines potentially attributable to age-related factors. Performance trends reveal peaks in mid-career, notably a .925 SV% in 41 GP during the 2015–16 season and .927 SV% in 43 GP in 2018–19, periods when Greiss, aged 29–33, often split duties effectively in tandem roles. Earlier, in 2014–15, he achieved .918 SV% over 19 GP, marking improved consistency post-minor league stints. Dips occurred later, including .892 SV% in 27 GP (2017–18) and .891 SV% in 31 GP (2021–22), as starts decreased to 20–30 GP annually after age 35, suggesting cumulative wear impacted rebound control and positioning.
MetricValue
Games Played368
Record162-130-37
GAA2.76
SV%.912
Shutouts16
In the playoffs, Greiss appeared in 17 , posting a 7–8 record, 2.38 GAA, and .920 SV%, outperforming regular-season averages in efficiency despite limited opportunities, primarily as a in early-round exits. These metrics indicate stronger situational play under pressure, though sample size limits broader inferences.
MetricValue
Games Played17
Record7-8
GAA2.38
SV%.920

International and European Stats

Thomas Greiss debuted internationally for at the , where he appeared in one game, posting a 5.00 goals-against average (GAA) and .875 save percentage (SV%). He followed with two games in the 2006 , recording a 1.97 GAA and .882 SV%. At the , Greiss started all three games, yielding a 5.03 GAA and .815 SV% amid Germany's group stage exit. His appearances included four games each in 2016 (2.50 GAA, .904 SV%, 3 wins) and 2017 (4.96 GAA, .876 SV%, 1 win), contributing to Germany's competitive efforts without personal medal honors in these events.
TournamentSeasonGPMinGAGAASV%W-LSO
Olympics2005-0616055.00.8750-10
WC Division I2005-062--1.97.882--
Olympics2009-103179155.03.8150-30
2015-164--2.50.9043-10
2016-174181154.97.8761-20
Overall, Greiss's verified major tournament stats reflect 14 with a composite GAA exceeding 3.50, influenced by heavy workloads in high-scoring Olympic matches against elite opponents. In European club play, Greiss began professionally with the Cologne Sharks in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), appearing once in 2003-04 (12.00 GAA) before improving to 8 games in 2004-05 (2.09 GAA, .936 SV%) and a breakout 2005-06 season with 27 games (2.46 GAA, .926 SV%, 1 shutout). After North American commitments, he returned to Europe with Brynäs IF in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for 2010-11, logging 32 games (2.92 GAA, .904 SV%, 14-16 record, 2 shutouts). A brief 2012-13 DEL stint with Hannover Scorpions yielded 9 games (3.47 GAA, .905 SV%, 3-6 record). His most recent European action came in 2024-25 with Löwen Frankfurt in the DEL, where he played 13 games (3.59 GAA, .886 SV%, 4-8 record, 0 shutouts) in a limited role following NHL retirement.
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAGAASV%W-LSO
2003-04Cologne Sharks1-12.00.600-0
2004-05Cologne Sharks8-2.09.936-0
2005-06Cologne Sharks27-2.46.926-1
2010-11SHL32-2.92.90414-162
2012-13Hannover Scorpions9-3.47.9053-60
2024-2513373.59.8864-80
These club stats highlight Greiss's early proficiency in (sub-2.50 GAA in peak junior-to-pro transition years) contrasted with higher GAAs in later, sporadic appearances amid career shifts. Gaps exist in minor German leagues like , where records show limited verifiable pro-level data beyond one 2004-05 game (2.00 GAA).

Awards and Honors

Thomas Greiss shared the with goaltender in the , awarded to the goaltenders of the team allowing the fewest goals during the regular season; the duo anchored a league-leading defense that surrendered just 191 goals in 82 games. This marked Greiss's sole major NHL individual or tandem honor, reflecting his role as a reliable backup rather than a primary starter eligible for awards like the , which prioritizes individual workload and save metrics typically dominated by workhorse starters. Prior to his full NHL tenure, Greiss participated in the () during the 2005–06 season with the , a recognition of his early professional promise in Germany's top league after junior stints. No senior international awards from IIHF competitions, such as Directorate honors for top , were conferred upon him despite appearances for at multiple World Championships and the . Among career milestones recognized as honors, Greiss became the first -born to play 100 NHL games, achieved during the 2011–12 season with the , and recorded his 100th NHL win on February 23, 2019, in a 4–1 victory over the while with the Islanders. These benchmarks underscore his longevity as a depth option in a position where backups rarely accrue such volume without displacing starters, amid NHL dynamics favoring established tandems over peripheral contributors for elite accolades.

References

  1. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/10954/thomas-greiss
  2. https://www.nhl.com/player/thomas-greiss-8471306
  3. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/greisth01.html
  4. https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2019/6/19/18692268/nhl-awards-2019-robin-lehner-vezina-nominee-thomas-greiss-jennings
  5. https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/thomas-greiss-resumes-career-with-short-term-contract-in-germany
  6. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76125
  7. https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/thomas-greiss/11887/stats
  8. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/teams/san-jose-sharks-goalies-career-nhl-stats.html
  9. https://www.mlive.com/snapshots/2010/05/red_wings-sharks_game_4_wrap-u.html
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  12. https://www.espn.com/new-york/nhl/story/_/id/13181037/new-york-islanders-add-backup-goalie-thomas-greiss
  13. https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask/thomas-greiss-stats-with-new-york
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  22. https://puckpedia.com/player/thomas-greiss
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  26. https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/greiss-retires-after-14-seasons-in-the-nhl-345319918
  27. https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2024/09/international-notes-greiss-mckegg-x.html
  28. https://www.instagram.com/p/DArJtTQyaEG
  29. https://www.instagram.com/p/DExMCQIO3-2
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  33. https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/veteran-goaltender-thomas-greiss-retires-after-14-seasons-1.1983541
  34. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/hockey/2017/05/05/thomas-greiss-team-usa-germany-iihf-world-championships/101345912/
  35. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-germany-goalies-career-whc-stats.html
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  40. https://www.espn.com/olympics/hockey/story/_/id/19376495/new-york-islanders-germany-goaltender-thomas-greiss-criticized-social-media-likes
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  44. https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-goalie-thomas-greiss-apologizes-for-instagram-posts-he-liked-during-presidential-campaign-r14957
  45. https://www.si.com/nhl/2017/05/13/ap-hko-germany-greiss
  46. https://elitesportsny.com/2017/05/14/new-york-islanders-thomas-greiss-owes-no-apology/
  47. https://forums.hfboards.com/threads/thomas-greiss-retires-from-national-team-after-controversies-about-his-political-statements.2825076/
  48. https://www.reddit.com/r/hockey/comments/lwf9xk/summary_of_the_current_greiss_controversy_in/
  49. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/38001178/blues-backup-goaltender-thomas-greiss-retires-14-seasons
  50. https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/team-germany-officially-cuts-ties-with-thomas-greiss-over-his-political-beliefs
  51. https://www.reddit.com/r/hockey/comments/n3zwkv/deb_confirms_greiss_is_done_for_germany/
  52. https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask?q=nhl%2Bsave%2Bpercentage%2Bleaders%2B2020-2021
  53. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/seasons/2020-21-nhl-goalies-stats.html
  54. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/when-thomas-greiss-liked-ig-post-comparing-adolf-hitler-hillary-clinton
  55. https://www.thegoalnet.com/forums/topic/5393-thomas-greiss-cancelled-by-team-germany/
  56. https://icehockey.fandom.com/wiki/Thomas_Greiss
  57. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/getting-to-know-thomas-greiss-2016.html
  58. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-who-thomas-greiss-wife-all-need-know-brittany-palmer
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  61. https://www.nhlpa.com/news/my-top-5-thomas-greiss
  62. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2014/04/06/thomas-greiss-phoenix-coyotes-goaltending/7387569/
  63. https://www.nhlpa.com/news/player/28383/thomas-greiss
  64. https://www.nhl.com/de/news/thomas-greiss-beendet-nach-14-nhl-spielzeiten-seine-karriere-345318006
  65. https://www.quanthockey.com/olympics/en/seasons/2010-olympics-goalies-stats.html
  66. https://www.eurohockey.com/player/58031-thomas-greiss.html
  67. https://media.nhl.com/public/news/13381
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