The New York Rangers watched as some of their younger players made an impact late in what was a lost season. but it was also evident that they needed to replenish the prospect pool. That meant trading away some of their top players while getting prospects in return. One of their main prospects they added to the pipeline was winger Liam Greentree, in exchange for Artemi Panarin in a deal with the Los Angeles Kings.
When looking at Greentree's statistics with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL, more on the specific in just a bit, it's difficult for Rangers fans not to get excited. If he can replicate those numbers in the NHL, the Rangers may have a top winger in their organization for the foreseeable future. But as fans all know, it's not a given that a prospects play can translate to the NHL.
While there is plenty to be excited about in regards to Greentree, some scouts have officially waved some red flags regarding his potential with the Rangers.
Liam Greentree receives low ranking on The Athletic's prospect-tiers rankings
The Athletic's Scott Wheeler unveiled his latest prospect-tiers ranking list after consulting with various scouts and executives in the NHL. Greentree made the cut on the fifth and final tier, which is designated for top 150 players in the league "who would offer strong support to a contending or championship core."
The scouts gave some concerning comments about Greentree, saying that it might take the right combination of being on the perfect role and with the right teammates to pan out. Even so, the scouts are wary that that could even work.
"Greentree is a big, strong, skilled winger but the league has been consistent in its uncertainty about his pace and a desire for him to be harder," The Athletic writes. "He has also plateaued a little since his 100-point draft year in the OHL earned him a first-round selection. He has some potential but he's going to have to play with the right linemates and in the right role to reach it and there is some doubt."
That's not what Rangers fans wanted to read. Rangers general manager Chris Drury made a huge gamble by opting to trade away Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings instead of re-signing him to a new contract. Even with Panarin holding all of the cards, Drury secured Greentree in the trade. Given that, they'll need him to pan out.
At the time of the trade, his scoring statistics stood out. In the 2024-25 season, Greentree recorded 49 goals, 70 assists, and a plus-55 plus/minus rating in 64 games. Then, this past season, Greentree put up 38 goals, 36 assists, and a plus-19 plus/minus rating in 52 games. Those numbers will get any fan excited. However, there was one main concern about Greentree's potential at the time of the trade, and that was his skating, which has been a similar theme to other Rangers prospects.
Even so, Drury spoke highly of Greentree at the time of the trade and believes he is ready to turn pro soon.
“I think he brings a lot to the table,” said Drury, h/t The Athletic. "You just look at his numbers and his offensive production, (and) it’s very exciting. He’s got some size to him, he’s got really good hockey IQ and a lot of skill.”
Patience may be the key for Liam Greentree
Once the NHL offseason slowed down in terms of the number of transactions, there appeared to be some chance Greentree could make it to the pros out of training camp. That's because the team had a void for a forward in their middle six, especially after the Vincent Trocheck trade. The door was open for an internal option to take the spot with a strong camp and impressive performances in the team's four preseason games.
But that idea may have flown out the window, as the team signed Eeli Tolvanen to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Taking that into consideration, it appears more likely than not that Greentree will start the upcoming season in the AHL. That might be for the better. It would allow the team to ensure Greentree can improve his weak spots to ensure he can be a true difference maker when it's time for him to move up to New York.
If that does happen, Greentree may have to start in a bottom six role, which means he'd have to make an impact with limited playing time alongside players like Tye Kartye, Will Cuylle and Noah Laba. He'd have to impress head coach Mike Sullivan enough to receive more shifts. That could potentially turn into him receiving some opportunities alongside the likes of J.T. Miller, Gabe Perreault, Oliver Bjorkstrand, just to name a few.
Greentree is expected to play a pivotal role in the Rangers' future. But it's up to the team to ensure he's best-equipped to succeed when receiving his eventual opportunity. The comments from the scout should be a warning sign that they can't afford to screw up his development.
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