Greentree has size, scoring touch for impactful future with Kings

When the prospect is prepared for the NHL, they have the potential to fill the significant gap as a power forward, which is greatly needed.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Stand next to Liam Greentree, and it’s easy to understand why the Los Angeles Kings decided to select him with the No. 26 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

According to Glen Murray, the Kings’ senior director of player personnel, the 18-year-old prospect is quite physically imposing. At the recent Los Angeles development camp, he stood tall at 6-foot-2 and weighed in at 207 pounds.

After suffering their third consecutive defeat in the Western Conference First Round against the Edmonton Oilers, the Kings were attracted to Greentree’s physical prowess. General manager Rob Blake analyzed their five-game elimination from the previous season and highlighted the insufficient offensive contribution resulting from the absence of players crowding the goaltender, obstructing shots, and exploiting rebound opportunities.

Last season, Greentree demonstrated his aptitude in various areas. He served as team captain for Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League and led the team with an impressive 90 points (36 goals, 54 assists) in 64 games. Additionally, he was tied for 11th place in scoring among all OHL players.

“I have a large physique,” he remarked, “so naturally, I make a conscious effort to position myself near the net and aggressively push forward. A significant portion of my productivity stems from this strategy.”

However, Greentree’s game goes beyond just being big and strong. He demonstrated impressive puck handling skills and skating ability, resulting in a penalty shot being awarded during the final scrimmage of the three-day camp.

He stated, “I possess abundant finesse and skill in my game, and I make every effort to utilize them to the fullest extent.”

Liam Greentree was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the draft.

Murray noticed that Greentree’s shot quality was exceptional.

Murray expressed, “He is aware of his strengths, and for a kid his age, he possesses an impressive shooting ability. His shot resembles that of an NHL player. The player development team is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to collaborate with him in the upcoming years.”

Continuing Greentree’s physical progression will be one of the main steps for him to reach the NHL. Jarret Stoll, a two-time Stanley Cup winner as a forward for Los Angeles in 2012 and 2014 who now works in their player development department, gave Greentree an idea of how much work it will take in their first meeting.

After the draft, Stoll mentioned that they had a conversation with him the other night. According to Stoll, he mentioned that he currently weighs 212 pounds, but they were joking about wanting him to reach 225 or even 230 pounds. Stoll expressed their hope for him to fill out and eventually play for the L.A. Kings.

In addition, Greentree will need to enhance his ability to effectively utilize the strength and size he gains, especially when facing opponents who possess similar or superior attributes, as this may not always be the scenario in junior hockey.

Regardless of the punishment that lies ahead, whether it be in the weight room or on the ice, Greentree is prepared for whatever comes next.

“I believe I’m a player who is determined to improve and willing to do whatever it takes for my team to succeed,” he expressed. “Therefore, I consider myself capable of aggressively positioning myself in front of the net, engaging in physical play, and scoring gritty goals.”