 Following the 1980 Olympics, Gregg took the unusual step of signing in Japan as a player-coach, and spent two full seasons playing there.He was at last convinced to accept an NHL offer by his hometown Edmonton Oilers, and joined the team for the 1982 playoffs, appearing in 4 games.In 1982–83, Gregg emerged as a regular on the Oilers' blueline, appearing in all 80 games and registering 6 goals and 28 points.