First round pick #26 The environmentally friendly Liam Greentree

[King'sPawn]

They just lost in OT unfortunately.

So there will be at least 5 games

 

[Trash Panda]

M

Turcotte can't be penciled in as a center IMO. He has to be a winger because his health is too unreliable for such an important position.

His game is much more suited for center.

 

[johnjm22]

His game is much more suited for center.

That's nice.

It doesn't really matter if you can't be relied on to stay healthy.

It would be foolish to count on him as a center.

 

[Trash Panda]

That's nice.

It doesn't really matter if you can't be relied on to stay healthy.

It would be foolish to count on him as a center.

Id take that bet.

Turcotte is a born center.

 

[lumbergh]

I think he would have a decent chance on most teams, but the last time the Kings had a CHL player make the team out of camp as a teenager and actually stick beyond the 10 games were Drew Doughty and Oscar Moller who did it in the same season. But that managerment group had a completely different organizational philosophy from what they have now. Kopitar, Doughty, Simmonds, Johnson, Moller etc.

Under this regime, JAD and Clarke both got a cup of coffee and were sent back to junior. It's way more likely he goes back to junior, puts up video game numbers and then starts his age 20 season "rounding out his game" and "learning the system" for the Reign.

I hope I'm wrong and they go the Wyatt Johnston path.

I don't disagree. Greentree just looks so ready for the NHL, though. 6'3", 216 lb, physically ready. He's already putting up video game numbers. 4 goals and 4 assists in 3 games in the playoffs?!?! Just how good could he be next to Kopitar and Kempe? Seems like a kid you want to make room for.

 

[Herby]

I don't disagree. Greentree just looks so ready for the NHL, though. 6'3", 216 lb, physically ready. He's already putting up video game numbers. 4 goals and 4 assists in 3 games in the playoffs?!?! Just how good could he be next to Kopitar and Kempe? Seems like a kid you want to make room for

So did QB and Brandt Clarke, but they played over 100 combined AHL games.

I'm not doubting the kid, it's the organizational philosophy that concerns me.

 

[King'sPawn]

I think most teams and agents realize that players are much more likely to jump straight from the NCAA to the NHL than they would from playing major junior, and that is why it's going to be a frequent path for a couple of different groups of players. And (most teams) are dying to have production on ELC's, as it's kind of like the NHL's version of QB's on rookie deals. I imagine Columbus is hoping for one big year at MSU, signed to a contract and three playoff runs and two full seasons on an ELC.

Alot of guys benefit from this.

The elite prospects (Celebrini/McKenna) - If they can get cleared by NCAA clearinghouse to play their draft eligible year, more NHL ready competing against older players. If you are Gavin McKenna and you had the opportunity to play ifor Michigan/North Dakota/Minnesota or return to Medicine Hat, it's tough to see the upside to returning to junior.

The good but not elite (Greentree types) - Age 19 season in college after dominating junior but not AHL eligible.

The good OA players - More UDFA get signed from college than as OA players on junior teams. You could see some of these guys leave too.

There is also the financial element for the players, there aren't going to be any players getting Bryce Underwood type money, but I'm guessing Lindstrom/McKenna/Martone/Misa/Parekh players would make significantly more on NIL deals than they would from their CHL stipends. And the year off the ELC sooner too, correct me if I'm wrong, but a guy like Lindstrom can sign after MSU's season and since he will be 20 in 2026 he can burn a year off his contract, it seems very win/win for the players and the NHL teams.

I think the CHL is very concerned with what could happen, and that is why they are considering a third import spot per team to make-up for some of incoming talent losses to the NCAA, and some rumors of another overage spot as well.

If these rules hold, I think this is just the beginning of a big switch in player development in North America, but we will have to agree to disagree.

I also think it's possible the NCAA could eventually make drastic changes to NIL/Portal because of what it's doing to football and basketball, the latest casualty of the NIL world appearing to be the NCAA basketball tourney, which was the least exciting maybe ever, because all the good mid-major players have transferred to big schools.

This is fair, though I'm not sure I'm convinced yet. Those players who make the NHL sooner are also older. So players who have been in major junior for years may have to pause their earning power longer (if they aren't a first round pick).

I hate to make a "duh" statement, but I'm thinking there will either be little change in how these decisions are met, or it will be so substantial that rules will be changed to balance things out, and thus it's wiser to look at things on an individual level.

Greentree, right now, is playing playoff hockey with a schedule and stakes that are more closely aligned to the NHL. He played almost twice as much hockey in a bigger role than the average NCAA player. I just think there's value in these variables that have similar weight to playing half as many games against older players.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Now if only we could convince the Caps to do us a solid and cough up Protas with him

 

[lumbergh]

So did QB and Brandt Clarke, but they played over 100 combined AHL games.

I'm not doubting the kid, it's the organizational philosophy that concerns me.

I do think COVID had a big part to play in Byfield's progression. The fact that he could be assigned to the AHL at age 18 under special rules altered his trajectory. In the 2019-2020 season, Byfield was, like Greentree, almost 2 points per game, putting up "video game numbers". Not much left for him to do at that level. Made sense for the Kings to put him in the AHL where he could continue developing.

Greentree doesn't have that option. Sending him back to Windsor next year might just waste a year. I'm curious what the Kings will do next season if Greentree goes into training camp and looks ready. I would keep him if he continues to impress, but you're right that the organization seems to be overly patient.

 

[BigKing]

Would be amazing for this franchise to have a late 1st round pick come in and be a factor in his D+2 season.

Who is the last one? Pearson? Asterisk on him since he was passed over in the draft twice.

 

[lumbergh]

I think he would have a decent chance on most teams, but the last time the Kings had a CHL player make the team out of camp as a teenager and actually stick beyond the 10 games were Drew Doughty and Oscar Moller who did it in the same season. But that managerment group had a completely different organizational philosophy from what they have now. Kopitar, Doughty, Simmonds, Johnson, Moller etc.

Under this regime, JAD and Clarke both got a cup of coffee and were sent back to junior. It's way more likely he goes back to junior, puts up video game numbers and then starts his age 20 season "rounding out his game" and "learning the system" for the Reign.

I hope I'm wrong and they go the Wyatt Johnston path.

I love the Wyatt Johnston comparison, BTW. Both late first round picks. Almost identical numbers during the year after their drafts on the Spitfires. Johnston jumped straight to the NHL in 2022 and never looked back or looked out of place.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

I love the Wyatt Johnston comparison, BTW. Both late first round picks. Almost identical numbers during the year after their drafts on the Spitfires. Johnston jumped straight to the NHL in 2022 and never looked back or looked out of place.

Jason Robertson is another really good comparison from the Stars. If Greentree ends up being anything remotely close to Johnston or Robertson that will be absolutely huge for the Kings.

Unfortunately it's OHL or NHL for Greentree next year so the question becomes: Is Greentree good enough to justify the Kings moving on from a top 9 player to free up a roster spot for him???

That's where things get tough. Fiala, Kempe, Laferriere, Moore, Foegele, Turcotte, Kuzmenko - All wingers who should ideally be in our top 9 next year. That's 7 players for 6 different top 9 wing spots. Maybe they let Kuzmenko walk - there still isn't room for Greentree. Do you trade a player like Moore or Turcotte to make room for Greentree?? That feels pretty risky for a 20 year old winger prospect, regardless of how great he's looking in juniors.

Playing Greentree on the 4th line next year CANNOT be an option.

So it's either they carve out a spot for him in the top 9 - or he spends another year lighting up the OHL. Another year in the OHL seems the more likely option.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Jason Robertson is another really good comparison from the Stars. If Greentree ends up being anything remotely close to Johnston or Robertson that will be absolutely huge for the Kings.

Unfortunately it's OHL or NHL for Greentree next year so the question becomes: Is Greentree good enough to justify the Kings moving on from a top 9 player to free up a roster spot for him???

That's where things get tough. Fiala, Kempe, Laferriere, Moore, Foegele, Turcotte, Kuzmenko - All wingers who should ideally be in our top 9 next year. That's 7 players for 6 different top 9 wing spots. Maybe they let Kuzmenko walk - there still isn't room for Greentree. Do you trade a player like Moore or Turcotte to make room for Greentree?? That feels pretty risky for a 20 year old winger prospect, regardless of how great he's looking in juniors.

Playing Greentree on the 4th line next year CANNOT be an option.

So it's either they carve out a spot for him in the top 9 - or he spends another year lighting up the OHL. Another year in the OHL seems the more likely option.

A lot can happen in the offseason that I don't think you need to go out of your way to make the spot. Or even god forbid a guy can get hurt in camp/preseason. I think you just have to let Greentree fight for it and see how the dust settles.

Alternatively, this could be the year Hiller goes 13-5

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

A lot can happen in the offseason that I don't think you need to go out of your way to make the spot. Or even god forbid a guy can get hurt in camp/preseason. I think you just have to let Greentree fight for it and see how the dust settles.

Alternatively, this could be the year Hiller goes 13-5

You're not necessarily wrong

I just worry the Kings will end up doing some of their typical dumb sh*t if there's not a clear spot/role carved out for him.

Playing a 19/20 year old offensive winger ~8 mins a night on the 4th line is NOT going to help a player like Greentree develop into a top 6 winger. He needs to be set up for success in a top 9 role with decent minutes and decent linemates. If he's battling it out for a spot, we know with this organization he's not going to play in the top 9 over guys like Foegele and Moore and he's sure as hell not going to be playing over guys like Fiala or Kempe. So that leaves him on the outside looking in... If that's the case, I'd rather have him playing big minutes in the OHL even if the league is too easy for him.

REALLY don't want him to be Kaliyev 2.0 and throwing him on the 4th line as a 19 year old winger is exactly the same thing they did with Kaliyev.

If we look at the Stars as a comparable - they haven't been afraid to leave prospects in juniors / the AHL until they're absolutely lighting it up in the AHL. Then, once a prospect has proven that - The Stars will call them up and put them in a top 9 role when a spot opens up. And it works REALLY well. Guys like Johnston and Stankoven weren't forced to 'grind it out' in a 4th line role to 'prove they could be responsible'. They're scorers who were instantly slotted into scoring roles and greatly benefitted from it. We need to treat Greentree the same way IMO.

Edit: The nice part is the Kings could also give him that 9 game cup of coffee before making a decision - which could be the route they go. Give him a handful of games and see how he does. If he plays well and he's clearly good enough and there's a spot for him, he stays. If not, its back to junior which is also fine.

 

[lumbergh]

Jason Robertson is another really good comparison from the Stars. If Greentree ends up being anything remotely close to Johnston or Robertson that will be absolutely huge for the Kings.

Unfortunately it's OHL or NHL for Greentree next year so the question becomes: Is Greentree good enough to justify the Kings moving on from a top 9 player to free up a roster spot for him???

That's where things get tough. Fiala, Kempe, Laferriere, Moore, Foegele, Turcotte, Kuzmenko - All wingers who should ideally be in our top 9 next year. That's 7 players for 6 different top 9 wing spots. Maybe they let Kuzmenko walk - there still isn't room for Greentree. Do you trade a player like Moore or Turcotte to make room for Greentree?? That feels pretty risky for a 20 year old winger prospect, regardless of how great he's looking in juniors.

Playing Greentree on the 4th line next year CANNOT be an option.

So it's either they carve out a spot for him in the top 9 - or he spends another year lighting up the OHL. Another year in the OHL seems the more likely option.

If you follow the Robertson route, Greentree would spend another year in juniors, then a season in the AHL. Not sure what more Greentree can do in the OHL for another year. Robertson was good the year after his draft (87 points in 68 games), but really exploded in 2018-19 with 117 points in 62 games.

I don't know what's best. I guess this is what Papa Anschutz pays Blake the big bucks for.

 

[Herby]

You're not necessarily wrong

I just worry the Kings will end up doing some of their typical dumb sh*t if there's not a clear spot/role carved out for him.

Playing a 19/20 year old offensive winger ~8 mins a night on the 4th line is NOT going to help a player like Greentree develop into a top 6 winger. He needs to be set up for success in a top 9 role with decent minutes and decent linemates. If he's battling it out for a spot, we know with this organization he's not going to play in the top 9 over guys like Foegele and Moore and he's sure as hell not going to be playing over guys like Fiala or Kempe. So that leaves him on the outside looking in... If that's the case, I'd rather have him playing big minutes in the OHL even if the league is too easy for him.

REALLY don't want him to be Kaliyev 2.0 and throwing him on the 4th line as a 19 year old winger is exactly the same thing they did with Kaliyev.

If we look at the Stars as a comparable - they haven't been afraid to leave prospects in juniors / the AHL until they're absolutely lighting it up in the AHL. Then, once a prospect has proven that - The Stars will call them up and put them in a top 9 role when a spot opens up. And it works REALLY well. Guys like Johnston and Stankoven weren't forced to 'grind it out' in a 4th line role to 'prove they could be responsible'. They're scorers who were instantly slotted into scoring roles and greatly benefitted from it. We need to treat Greentree the same way IMO.

Edit: The nice part is the Kings could also give him that 9 game cup of coffee before making a decision - which could be the route they go. Give him a handful of games and see how he does. If he plays well and he's clearly good enough and there's a spot for him, he stays. If not, its back to junior which is also fine.

But again, you need to change the entire organizational philosophy in LA to see results like Dallas had.

The two guys you mentioned for Dallas would simply not be given the same chances in LA that they were given in Dallas.

I use Johnston a lot as an example, because he has thrived and developed into a very good player at 21 and on track to probably being a star player. If he had been drafted by LA he would have been back in junior at 19, and then would have spent a good chunk of time in Ontario last year, because that is how the Kings develop young players, they don't seek the ceiling, they seek the fastest route to a system player to compliment 11&8.

Johnston had 202 NHL games (38 in the playoffs) in his age 19+20 seasons, in LA he might have been called up in the second half of his age 20 season and gotten maybe 30-40 games. 200 vs. 40 is a pretty big difference.

Stankoven was probably not even on LA's draft board for stupid reasons that aren't as relevant now as when Luc and Blake played (sometimes I wonder if they know the dead puck era is over).

The Kings had three consecutive very high picks in 19, 20 and 21 and at the end of the 2025 season they have a 4th line winger, a 50 point center and whatever Brandt Clarke's role is. All three players were handled way differently than similar caliber picks had been developed by other teams, is it possible that they just missed on the evaluation of all three players, or is it more likely the unorthodox development strategy created such a poor ROI? It just seems tough to believe that they evaluated all those guys wrong, especially when you factor in the failed development of many secondary pieces as well, like Bjornfot, Kaliyev, Fagemo, Grans, JAD.

I really don't think we will see the team try to develop players to their ceilings until either there is a regime change or Kopitar/Doughty retire.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Playoffs so far: 4 GP, 10 PTS

 

[Kurrilino]

That's nice.

It doesn't really matter if you can't be relied on to stay healthy.

It would be foolish to count on him as a center.

But Doughty as #1 defender is fine i guess?

What has injury history to do with the position you are playing.
Turcotte is fast and has above average game overview and playmaking abilities with an average shot.
You don't put those people on the wing.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

3 goals, 2 assists tonight! He's on fire

 

[ru4reals]

Greentree and Slukynski are the only kings prospects I'm most excited about. Other than that there's really no one else.

 

[Ghetty Green]

Greentree and Slukynski are the only kings prospects I'm most excited about. Other than that there's really no one else.

Blatant disrespect towards Carter George

 

[King'sPawn]

Greentree and Slukynski are the only kings prospects I'm most excited about. Other than that there's really no one else.

I get the pool is thin, but there's still a lot to be excited about:
Greentree
Slukynsky
George
Ziemmer
Woolley
Conmy

Even lower upside players can still be depth NHL skaters:
Dvorak
Booth
Connors
Wright

 

[bland]

I get the pool is thin, but there's still a lot to be excited about:
Greentree
Slukynsky
George
Ziemmer
Woolley
Conmy

Even lower upside players can still be depth NHL skaters:
Dvorak
Booth
Connors
Wright

I always argue for Connors in our polls because I have considered him a virtual lock for the NHL, Kings or elsewhere. His style of play is always welcome in the league.

Others are more talented and in higher positions on the team sheet, but less likely to ever make it.

I wouldn't bet on Ziemmer making it.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I always get Connors and Wright mixed up and I have no idea why

I also have no idea why if you bring up Greentree anywhere but this forum you're not allowed to say his name unless you link it to Protas

The Ilya fans are like

 

[Frolov 6'3]

Greentree and Slukynski are the only kings prospects I'm most excited about. Other than that there's really no one else.

I agree the pool is very thin. There a few more but thats about it, I guess.

Greentree, if that wasnt obvious already, is the one I am most excited about it.
Rightfully nominated as Windsor Spitfires’ MVP of the regular season by all OHL GM’s. Something I already noticed.