In a significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the New York Rangers have acquired 20-year-old right winger Liam Greentree from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Artemi Panarin, a conditional third-round pick in 2026, and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2028. This trade marks a pivotal moment in the Rangers' "retooling" strategy. Greentree, drafted 26th overall by the Kings in the 2024 NHL Draft, is seen as a promising prospect with a blend of size, skill, and leadership qualities.
Greentree stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs around 215 pounds. He is a left-handed shot known for his offensive capabilities. Currently playing for the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he serves as the team captain, Greentree has accumulated 45 points in 34 games this season. His previous season saw him explode offensively, tallying 119 points (49 goals, 70 assists) in 64 games. Before that, he recorded 90 points in the 2022-23 season.
Scouting reports highlight Greentree's strengths as his high hockey IQ, playmaking abilities, and a potent shot. He excels at reading the game, making smart decisions with the puck, and creating scoring chances for himself and his teammates. His size and strength make him difficult to defend in the offensive zone, and he's known for extending plays and winning battles. Some scouts have compared his style to that of Jamie Benn, praising his creativity and ability to generate offense. Others draw parallels to Wild star Matt Boldy, another big, highly skilled winger.
However, Greentree's skating has been identified as an area needing improvement. Concerns exist about his pace and acceleration, with some scouts noting a lack of fluidity in his skating mechanics. Despite these concerns, Greentree has actively worked with a skating coach to address this weakness. Some observers believe he has made strides in this area, while others remain skeptical about his ability to keep up with the speed of the NHL game.
Beyond his on-ice abilities, Greentree brings valuable leadership qualities to the Rangers organization. Named captain of the Windsor Spitfires, he has demonstrated maturity and a strong work ethic. His coach, Casey Torres, has praised Greentree's character, competitiveness, and willingness to lead by example.
The acquisition of Liam Greentree represents a strategic move by the Rangers to bolster their prospect pool and inject youth into their roster. While he may require some development time, particularly in refining his skating, Greentree's combination of size, skill, and leadership makes him an intriguing prospect with the potential to become a valuable middle-six forward in the NHL.