Greig, a first-round pick (No. 28) in the 2020 NHL Draft, was the center on the second line with Alex DeBrincat and Claude Giroux and played left wing on the second power-play unit against the New York Islanders at Canadian Tire Centre. The 20-year-old also could see time on the penalty kill.
"Yeah, I think it's pretty cool to play top six with two good players and the power play," Greig said, "but I'm just going to approach it like any other game."
Greig was recalled from Belleville of the American Hockey League on Monday after Ottawa announced forward Josh Norris would have season-ending shoulder surgery. He has 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in 28 AHL games during his first full season of professional hockey.
"Well, pretty much my whole life," Greig said when asked how long he'd been anticipating his NHL debut. "It's obviously a dream come true. I'm pretty excited."
Senators coach D.J. Smith talked about his expectations for Greig.
"We can't be putting pressure on the kid," Smith said. "Just come up and see what the League's about. He's a competitive kid, but you don't want to put pressure on him. He's going to play in the League, it's just a matter of time. And he needs to get some reps. So, we're just hoping his details, and away from the puck, are fine. With the puck, he's got some skill."
Greig is the son of retired NHL forward Mark Greig, who played 125 games for the Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers from 1990-2003. Mark was able to make it to Ottawa in time to have breakfast with the Senators on Wednesday.
"It has to help," Smith said of Greig's father playing in the NHL. "You grew up around the rink, your dad's been through it. They can give you advice because they've gone through the same thing. … How many kids get to say that, really? And it's more and more hockey players' sons that are playing in the NHL. It's because you're around it your whole life. You started younger than probably most kids, you were put into probably more things than most kids."
Greig said his father has had a huge impact on his hockey career.
"He's kind of done the whole thing, he's been a player, he's scouted," Greig said. "Whenever I talk to him, he kind of has a bunch of tips for me, so it's pretty helpful."
Greig admitted he had "a little bit" of a difficult time falling asleep Tuesday night.
"Maybe a little bit nervous, just thinking, maybe," he said. "But I had a good rest. I'm ready to go."
To Smith, it looks like Greig got a solid eight hours.
"You can tell that some guys look nervous or whatever. He doesn't look nervous," Smith said. "He's a hockey player. He just goes and does his thing. It's good his dad's here, his parents are here, and his dad was here this morning. It's an exciting time for him. Probably less is more, just get out there and play. Get that first shift over with and get playing hockey."
