Liam Greentree marked a significant moment in his journey as he kicked off development camp with the Rangers on Monday at their Westchester facility.
Not long after being included in the trade that sent Artemi Panarin to Los Angeles, Greentree finally got to wear the Rangers logo, raising it above his head for the first time.
While he was still playing in the OHL when that trade happened, this camp is the first opportunity for Rangers officials to get a closer look at Greentree, who is seen as a crucial addition from the February trade.
“It was awesome. New York is a very historic franchise,” Greentree shared after his inaugural day on the ice at the MSG Training Center. “This is the Original Six franchise, and it’s really great to be part of it. Wearing this jersey for the first time is a fantastic experience.”
The 20-year-old had an impressive season last year with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL, racking up 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in just 52 games. Already, Blueshirt fans have high expectations as the camp unfolds.
Remarkably, he’s hit the 74-point mark in three consecutive OHL seasons.
After the Panarin deal, Rangers president and GM Chris Drury even mentioned that Greentree’s value was higher than a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027.
For a young player, this might feel overwhelming—especially with the prospect of turning pro next season—but Greentree appears unfazed by the pressure. “I haven’t played in an NHL game yet; that’s my job,” he commented when asked about the expectations. “I’ve been through the process and I’m focused on making my career successful. There’s a method to these transitions, so I trust what’s around me.”
His ambition? “I want to play my game and be a Ranger one day.”
Greentree describes his style as that of a “big power forward” who brings versatility to the ice. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 207 pounds, it’s clear why he sees himself that way.
Having been drafted 26th overall by the Kings in 2024, Greentree is likely to start his professional career with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. Still, there’s a chance he could move up to the NHL sooner rather than later.
To prepare for this leap to professional hockey, he’s been focusing on improving his skating, which he identifies as key due to the increased speed in the NHL compared to junior leagues.
One person familiar with Greentree’s potential is fellow prospect Nathan Aspinall, who’s known him since childhood. The two have been training together during the summer.
Aspinall pointed out Greentree’s exciting qualities, mentioning, “I think just his playmaking and goal-scoring. Once he has the puck, he’s capable of being a threat no matter the situation.”
This week, Greentree isn’t the only one in the spotlight during Rangers camp. First-round pick Albert Smits participated in his first session after a whirlwind weekend in Buffalo, where he was drafted fifth overall by the Blueshirts after a recent loss.
Smits kept things close to the vest regarding his future, responding ambiguously when asked about attending training camp in September, saying, “We’ll see.” He also mentioned his focus on learning about the organization instead of discussing his development path.
Greentree shared a bit more about his goals for the development camp. “I’m here to improve and learn a lot,” he said. “I want to understand what it takes to reach the next level, and it’s essential to take everything from here into the offseason to prepare well.”
