Prospect Info: First round pick #26 The environmentally friendly Liam Greentree

[FSL KINGS]

I’m joking with you. It’s not inflammatory at all. We’re just down on this organization as a whole with how they are with young players.

Was unaware that we at the King's section, had a sense of humor.

 

[Sol]

Was unaware that we at the King's section, had a sense of humor.

Usually your natural state of being, my friend.

 

[Peter James Bond III]

So in 2025-2026 he would still be in the OHL instead of the AHL (if he doesn't make the team), any chance he could be sent to Europe?

I don't think it's out of the realm, that he makes the Kings next year and stays up.
He's physically mature and he's getting stronger and his acceleration has improved. (per some scout)
He's been a captain since his draft year and a leader. He puts a lot on himself and going into ths season, said he expects to be a better captain and leader. Such high character guy.

I think most of the high end talented 18-19 year old that break in the NHL...the toughest part
at 18-19 is being physically ready. Liam is. Then, being able to be good (enough) defensive wise
and skating. But, I think some at 18-19, may have been able to dictate play in junior or college...and
then in the NHL, they can't...unless you're the very pinnacle of generational level talent...,maybe Berard and Celebrini. Stutzle could play a high level at 18...even if he was not great defensively.
Some 18 yr olds that make it, lack physical level and have to learn systems, defense and
for the first time in their lives, are not able to dominate...they go through a tough learning
process...and not playing a lot of minutes...can't do the tricks that worked in junior or college.
They have to forecheck and work harder than ever before. And take a physical beating, more than they're used to. They may have elite hockey sense, but the game is so much faster, they
now have to process everything faster and make plays faster.

I think Greentree is very gifted at seeing the ice, knowing where to be and can make plays.
And has an NHL shot. Some of the best talent, improve a lot, from draft to their year after and
turn 19 and are ready. QB had trouble with defense and hockey sense defensively. He looked lost at 18 at AHL level and chased the puck carrier, which is mostly futile...maybe he could catch 18 -20 yr old OHL opponents...and he was not physically mature and strong enough until age 20.

I think Greentree will be the most ready 19 yr old King, since Doughty. He gets it. He's capable.
They can do some of the Leo Carlsson approach and maybe he doesn't play every game.
He will not improve or grow in the OHL next year. He should be in the AHL...or Kings.
I don't see how he's ruined, if he makes the Kings next year. He's got the makeup and habits of a pro. The mindset, character, drive and ability.

Let's see where he's at, if he can go to the AHL at end of this season...and where he's at in September.

 

[CarlSneep]

Greentree will impress in camp and then will play in 8 games over 3 months before finally getting sent down to play in the WJC, then return to Junior where he’ll underperform before getting traded to a contending team but then he’ll get hurt, returning just in time for the playoffs where his team will get bounced in the 2nd round but he’ll play pretty well. Then he’ll get sent to Ontario the following season because hey, he barely played last season!

 

[King'sPawn]

So in 2025-2026 he would still be in the OHL instead of the AHL (if he doesn't make the team), any chance he could be sent to Europe?

I don't think the NHL-CHL agreement permits that. That sounds like a variation of poaching that they want to protect against.

The only recent exception was with players like Clarke and Pinelli, but:
- they weren't drafted yet, so it wasn't an NHL team that "loaned" them to a European team
- the OHL was on pause due to COVID

Even if it did, I don't think there's any chance it would happen.