Liam Greentree is from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, was born on January 1, 2006, and could be one prospect to watch in the early going of the 2024 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-2 and 198-pound right-winger has elevated his game both in offensive production and leadership qualities, which led him to be named captain of the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Windsor Spitfires during the 2023-24 season. Greentree uses his size to his advantage and has tremendous strength on and off the puck. Although he is not the best skater, he uses his long stride to get to pucks and create offense. A power forward who is capable of great things, regardless of who drafts him.
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Draft Projections
Ranked #13 by BOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #13 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #13 by TSN/CRAIGBUTTON
Ranked #14 by DAILYFACEOFF
Ranked #14 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA SKATERS)
Conrad Jack of Inside The Rink has Greentree projected 14th overall.
Diving Deeper
It is unclear what position he will play as organizations may see him as a center or left wing in the NHL, but he can be a force anywhere in the lineup. He is good in the transition game but does not have the speed to take off. He is the one entering the zone on the transition game who takes the shot while everyone else crashes the net. Reminds me of a young Keith Primeau, who was not the best skater but provided timely offense and was a big body.
Attribute One
While his size is impressive, he does not possess the mean streak that one may have at his size, leaving him on the ice to create offense. His work in the corners, in front of the net, and along the boards can be useful to keep the puck possession time high. His size is also an advantage on special teams. On the power play, he can screen the goaltender, deflect pucks with his long reach, and use that reach to keep the puck in the zone.
Attribute Two
Greentree is an underrated passer and that skill set is useful when he is usually the trigger man in the offensive zone. While the opposition is looking for him to shoot, this opens up teammates that he can saucer the puck to for a scoring chance. He also has a good outlet pass from the defensive zone, setting up a teammate in stride heading into the neutral zone. His shot is his main tool but do not underestimate his passing skills.
Hockey IQ
Liam Greentree, for a big player, protects the puck with ease and waits for an opening, showcasing his patience with the puck. He is two steps ahead of every play and can sense an opposing player moving in on him when he is not looking. On defense, he is in the right position and always has his stick on the ice to prevent passes and shots. He plays his position well and is rarely out of place on the ice.
“Sharp-shooting winger with strong off-puck movement and puck protection tools Skating and defensive improvements required, but has middle-six upside.” Dobber Prospects- Hadi Kalakache- November 16, 2023
Areas for Improvement
Skating
Greentree needs to work on his skating if he wants to be a force in the NHL. He has enough speed to play a 200-foot game but does not have the speed to cross over defenders and skate by them with blazing speed. With his size, he has never been a speedster, but now he has time to work on that. The NHL, and even the American Hockey League (AHL), are faster leagues that he will need to adapt to by using his speed. If he can get both quicker and faster by the time he reaches the NHL, he could be a steal wherever he is picked.
Transitional Game
His skating does need work but so does his transition game. He can make the play to get the puck out and pass the puck to linemates, but his speed through the neutral zone and his awareness need an upgrade. He can lose the puck in the defensive zone and neutral zone, trying to hurry the puck the other way, causing turnovers. His awareness in all three zones could be better, and if those improve, so will his transition game. His passing is underrated, and if he can work on the defense-to-offense game, he could add another element to his game.
Prospect Potential
“I haven’t seen a dynamic quality, and he isn’t a burner (though his speed is decent when he gets going even if he’s not the quickest through his first few steps), but he’s got pro size and a well-rounded toolkit and has shown more and more individual skill to build out a nice statistical profile to complement the completeness of his game.” Scott Wheeler- The Athletic- March 25
He has the potential to be a key piece on a rebuilding team. He can average 60 points in a full-time, top-six role and be effective on the man advantage, screening the goaltender and deflecting pucks. Greentree can also score goals in several ways, making him a threat on the ice. He could be a real asset on a team that may be in the hunt for a playoff spot but fell short this season.
Best Potential Fit
He may be there for the Minnesota Wild at #13 or the Detroit Red Wings at #15. Both teams need size and additional scoring and could use him in several ways in the lineup. Detroit may see a chance to trade up and get him if he is still there between 10 and 14. After all, the Red Wings did work on Michael Rasmussen to become a better skater, and it worked.
Final Thought
Whatever team picks Greentree will have a cornerstone player who can do several positive things on the ice. He could go as high as #6 and as low as #20 because of his overall game. He has the offensive tools to be a consistent point producer, but do not look for him to lead the team in points. If he can improve his skating and defensive responsibilities, he could be the steal of the draft. He combines skill and size that could lead him to wear a letter on his jersey sooner rather than later.
Highlights via mynhldraft.com
ITR 34: End Of The Road – Inside The Rink
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