Liam Greentree's junior hockey chapter has officially closed, and the New York Rangers prospect is now poised to take the next big step in his career.
The 20-year-old captain of the Windsor Spitfires saw his Ontario Hockey League season come to an end Friday night in a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss to the Kitchener Rangers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. Windsor jumped out to an early three-goal lead, but couldn't hold on as Kitchener rallied to win the series 4-1. Greentree contributed an assist on the game's opening goal, but it wasn't enough to extend the series.
Despite the tough finish, Greentree's path to the professional ranks is now wide open. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound forward was the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade back on Feb. 4, when the Rangers sent star winger Artemi Panarin—the team's leading scorer for six straight seasons—to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, New York landed Greentree, the Kings' first-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, and a third-round pick in 2026.
Greentree has already signed his entry-level contract, and fans will get their first look at him in a Rangers uniform during development camp after the draft in late June. Whether he begins his pro career with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League or makes a surprise leap to Broadway remains to be seen, but the organization is eager to evaluate his progress up close.
His numbers suggest he's ready for the challenge. In 52 OHL games this season, Greentree led the Spitfires with 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists). That followed a monster post-draft season in 2024-25, when he erupted for 49 goals and 119 points in 64 games. His ability to consistently find the back of the net is exactly what the Rangers hope to develop in their pipeline.
After the trade, Greentree took his game to another level. He posted 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in Windsor's final 17 regular-season games, earning OHL Player of the Week honors for the week ending March 1. He carried that momentum into the playoffs, tallying 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 13 postseason contests.
With his solid frame and proven scoring touch, Greentree looks ready to handle the physical demands of pro hockey. While he may start next season in Hartford, don't be surprised if he earns a call-up to Madison Square Garden before long. The Rangers have a promising prospect on their hands, and his journey is just beginning.