2026 Rangers Season Previews: Liam Greentree

This article is part of an ongoing series of New York Rangers Season Previews, taking a close look at what we can, and should, expect from each member of the 2026-27 New York Rangers. To read other articles in this series, go here.

Thoughts and feelings about Liam Greentree have been all over the place since he was the centerpiece of the New York Rangers’ return for Artemi Panarin. Much of that criticism is unfair to the big, playmaking winger, even as some found the Rangers’ package from the Los Angeles Kings underwhelming. Still, Greentree has the power to change the narrative. Having excelled in the OHL, he has now set his sights on professional hockey, where the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong awaits.

Previous Performance

Greentree signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Kings in 2024, but has yet to play a season in either the NHL or AHL. Since being drafted, he’s continued to play for the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. A late first-round pick, he really began appearing on people’s radar after his excellent 119-point season in 2024-25. He then added 24 points in 11 playoff games, further fueling the hype.

This past season, Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas, Greentree's linemate, made the jump to professional hockey, and we saw Greentree’s production dip to 38 goals and 36 assists in 52 games. Still, the Rangers liked what they saw: a power-forward mold, and a young player who already displayed maturity, leadership, and a snarl to his game.

Expectations

The Rangers have shown that if a young player comes in, has a solid training camp, and out-works other options, they won’t shy away from giving him ice time. Noah Laba did it, Will Cuylle did it, and it’s not impossible for Liam Greentree to do it. Are the odds in his favor? Not entirely, but it wouldn’t be that extraordinary of a development.

The Rangers could make room for a player like Greentree, but more likely, he’ll be assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack to play as many minutes and in as many situations as possible. Greentree should treat this first year as a stepping stone to what will hopefully be a long, productive NHL career. There is a lot to learn and adapt to in professional hockey, and gaining confidence and experience will go a long way toward setting himself up to become a better player.

If he did make the team, Greentree would likely slot into a bottom-six role on the Rangers’ roster. They’re hoping that’s not the ceiling for the young prospect, so expecting him to play in situations where he has pressure to produce and score will be more in line with what the Rangers hope he can do for them one day. This, combined with the Rangers have an excess of depth forwards to pick and choose from, points the needle toward Hartford as Greentree’s likely destination.

Predictions

NHL: 4 GP | 1 G | 0 A | 1 PT

AHL: 66 GP | 22 G | 19 A | 41 PTS

Greentree is a big body with silky hands who can set up other players just as well, if not better than he can score. If it all clicks for him, he could threaten to be a point-per-game player in the AHL, but I think his first step into professional hockey will come with a bit of a learning curve. He’ll take time to acclimate but still find success in the long run.

He's built in the mold of a power forward, but has historically proven to be a defensively reliable player, in addition to his solid-to-exceptional production in the OHL. While playing with the Wolf Pack, Greentree will be relied upon to feature and perform admirably on both sides of the ice, likely getting power-play time and also playing on the penalty kill.

If things do begin to click for Greentree, it’s likely he’ll climb the priority list and be called up to the big leagues when the Rangers need a body. And, let’s face it, the Rangers will certainly need plenty of bodies. It would be beneficial for everyone if Greentree could get his cup of coffee in the NHL, and if it’s in the latter part of the year, I think he’ll surprise everyone with how comfortable he looks.

Conclusion

With all the recent changes to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the team hopes to rely on the AHL squad to help develop its crop of future players. Greentree is one of several players who will most likely play the majority of the year in Hartford, but is expected to break through and become a difference-maker. He's an excellent player who can help build the culture of a young team looking to reset. Having been the captain for the Spitfires for several seasons and known for playing with heart and a fiery streak, Greentree and the Wolf Pack could help each other this upcoming season.

Liam Greentree is a young player, but a big part of the Rangers’ future. They don’t want to mess this up, so they’ll take their time with him. As a result, he’ll cut his teeth in the AHL for most of this season and possibly part of next, but if things go right for Greentree, he’ll be knocking on the door, forcing the Rangers to make some tough decisions. It’s a problem they’d love to have sooner rather than later.