He further impressed the Blue Jackets during the 2021-22 season, which he split between Cleveland (12-12-3, 2.84 GAA, .905 save percentage, one shutout) and Kalamazoo of the ECHL (10-5-0, 3.05 GAA, .907 save percentage) and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Columbus on Feb. 20, 2022.

“It worked out, starting with Cleveland and Kalamazoo and working up through the organization,” Greaves said. “I was just enjoying the opportunity to play. When I was talking with Manny, he was kind of telling me, ‘You’re going to have some really good experiences. It’s going to help develop you.’

“I think it was so positive.”

Another solid season with Cleveland in 2022-23 (19-16-2, 3.08 GAA, .899 save percentage, two shutouts) earned Greaves his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on April 4, 2023. Playing in front of family and friends in the arena where he grew up watching the Maple Leafs, Greaves stopped 46 of 49 shots in a 4-2 loss.

He played nine games for the Blue Jackets in 2023-24 (3-6-0, 3.49 GAA, .908 save percentage) and was selected to the AHL Top Prospects Team that season with Cleveland (30-12-4, 2.93 GAA. 910 save percentage, one shutout). Throughout his climb up the depth chart, Greaves maintained his positive outlook while navigating the highs and lows of that process.

“I think it’s something he’s worked on a lot,” Kai Greaves said. “He cares a lot about having a balance in his life too where if things aren’t going well with hockey, it’s not the end of everything. Those things, I think, keep him even-keeled when times are tough, just like he’s very grateful and appreciates the moments that he’s in.”

Although the Blue Jackets fell two points short of the playoffs, that late season surge set Greaves up to begin this season as their No. 1 goalie. He’s started an NHL career-high 17 of Columbus’ 29 games (13-10-6).

Elvis Merzlikins started three consecutive games before Greaves made 36 saves in a 2-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday, but Columbus coach Dean Evason said Merzlikins’ run of starts wasn’t because Greaves needing a break.

“I don’t think he needs rest mentally or physically.” Evason said. “He’s dialed in with both. He [didn’t play] because Elvis was having success and that’s what we’re doing. It’s an earned situation and he had earned the opportunity to get back in there. It had nothing to do with what Jet was doing.”

Greaves is far from satisfied, though. He’s still learning what it takes to play regularly in the NHL and pushing himself to improve.

“I’m very grateful for all the experiences that I’ve had and everything that I’ve been through on the journey,” he said. “I’ve met so many amazing people on this journey and there’s been so many people that have helped me. That’s probably something that I cherish maybe the most. I think all those experiences have helped to prepare for each situation. You kind of look back on them and see what worked in this situation and what didn’t.

“I’m just very grateful for every day.”