Two-time Stanley Cup champion and former NHL defenseman Matt Greene has been named an assistant coach for Sun Devil Hockey, bringing more than a decade of NHL playing experience and an extensive background in professional player development to Arizona State's coaching staff, as announced by Sun Devil Athletics Director Graham Rossini on Thursday morning.
Greene, 43, joins the Sun Devils after spending nearly two decades with the Los Angeles Kings organization as a player, scout, development coach and assistant coach. A veteran of 615 NHL games, Greene helped Los Angeles capture Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014 while serving as an alternate captain during both championship runs.
The addition also reunites Greene with Sun Devil Hockey head coach Dave Hakstol, who coached the former defenseman at the University of North Dakota. Greene captained North Dakota to the 2005 NCAA national championship game during Hakstol's first season at the helm, helping the program reach the Frozen Four before beginning his professional career.
Greene most recently served as an assistant coach with the Kings during the final portion of the 2025-26 NHL season. His transition behind the bench followed several seasons working with the Kings' prospects as a player development coach, helping develop young talent throughout the organization's professional and junior hockey pipelines.
Among the players Greene worked closely with was Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, a first-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. Greene played an instrumental role in Clarke's development throughout his progression from junior hockey to the American Hockey League and NHL.
Following his retirement in 2017, Greene transitioned into hockey operations with Los Angeles, initially serving as a professional scout before moving into player development. His work with the Kings allowed him to mentor emerging professional players while drawing upon his experience as a two-time Stanley Cup champion and longtime NHL alternate captain.
Originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round (44th overall) of the 2002 NHL Draft, Greene made his NHL debut during the 2005-06 season and helped Edmonton advance to the Stanley Cup Final in his rookie campaign. After three seasons with the Oilers, Greene was traded to Los Angeles in June 2008, where he became a cornerstone of the Kings' defensive corps and leadership group.
Greene played nine seasons with Los Angeles, appearing in 464 regular-season games and 61 postseason games with the franchise. Known for his physical presence, defensive reliability and leadership, he helped guide the Kings to their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history in 2012 before securing a second title in 2014.
During Los Angeles' historic 2012 championship run, Greene led all NHL defensemen with 77 hits entering Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final and scored the Kings' final goal in their 6-1 championship-clinching victory over the New Jersey Devils. He finished the 2012 postseason with six points in 20 games while also playing a significant role on the penalty kill.
Greene's contributions extended beyond the ice, as he earned the Kings' Ace Bailey Memorial Award, recognizing the team's most inspirational player, six times during his tenure. He also received the organization's Unsung Hero Award for the 2010-11 season, further highlighting his impact within the locker room.
Before beginning his NHL career, Greene spent three seasons at North Dakota from 2002-05, establishing himself as a physical defenseman and respected leader. He appeared in 122 collegiate games, recording 31 points while helping North Dakota reach the national championship game in his final season before turning pro.
As team captain during the 2004-05 campaign, Greene helped lead the team through Hakstol's inaugural season as head coach, culminating in a Frozen Four appearance and a national runner-up finish. The two now reunite in Tempe more than two decades after their first season together in Grand Forks.
A native of Grand Ledge, Michigan, Greene also represented the United States internationally, competing at the IIHF World Championships, World Junior Championships and Under-18 World Championships.