Ryan Greene wasn’t supposed to be here-at least not this fast. But 25 games into the 2025-26 season, the 21-year-old forward has not only earned a spot on the Chicago Blackhawks roster, he’s playing top-line minutes alongside Connor Bedard. And he’s making every shift count.
Over the last stretch of games, Greene has found himself skating on the left wing next to Bedard, with the right side rotating between Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky due to injuries. That’s no easy assignment.
Playing on a line with one of the most dynamic young stars in the league means you have to think the game fast, play it faster, and still find ways to contribute without the puck. Greene’s doing all of that-and then some.
What makes Greene such a good fit on that top line isn’t just his offensive instincts, though those are starting to shine. It’s the little things: his ability to win 50/50 battles along the boards, his positioning without the puck, and his knack for finding soft ice in the offensive zone.
He’s not trying to be Bedard’s sidekick. He’s just playing his game-and it’s proving to be exactly what the Blackhawks need.
“It’s pretty easy playing with those guys,” Greene said recently. “They play at a fast pace. I’m going to get more comfortable with it for sure.”
That comfort is already showing up on the scoresheet. Greene has goals in back-to-back games and is starting to generate consistent scoring chances.
He’s hit a few posts, forced some big saves, and is clearly building chemistry with Bedard. But even when the puck isn’t going in, he’s making an impact.
Bedard certainly sees it. “He’s been unbelievable,” the Blackhawks’ franchise center said.
“He’s always open. He’s always in a spot where one of us can find him, and he can get a look.
He’s got an unbelievable shot. He’s been hitting posts, sticks-everything you can hit.
You keep getting those looks, they’re going to go in.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly, especially from a player like Bedard, who doesn’t need to prop up his linemates to make himself look better. If anything, it’s the opposite-he thrives with players who can keep up with his pace and vision. Greene is proving he can do just that.
Head coach Jeff Blashill has taken notice too. “If you play with [Bedard], you’re gonna get opportunities,” Blashill said.
“But to his credit, [Greene’s] really smart about finding spots. Usually, he’s in a position to get opportunities.
He can shoot the puck, he has a legit shot, and a legit ability to pass.”
That’s the key here. You don’t just get handed top-line minutes in the NHL-you earn them.
And you sure don’t keep them unless you’re pulling your weight. Greene has done both.
He wasn’t expected to make the team out of training camp, but he forced the front office’s hand. There was no way they could send him back to Rockford after the preseason he had.
Now, 25 games into the season, Greene has four goals and four assists-eight points while playing a responsible, well-rounded game. That stat line doesn’t jump off the page, but it’s the context that matters. He’s doing it while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NHL, while playing against top competition, and while learning to complement one of the league’s most gifted young players.
And he’s doing it the right way. That’s been a theme throughout Greene’s development.
Back at Boston University, he wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was the one coaches trusted. That’s why he wore the “C” late in his college career.
He plays a mature, detail-oriented game-one that’s built to last.
Blashill put it best: “It’s a hard thing being on the top line in the NHL. That’s a really difficult thing-learning how to be on your game every single night.
Most people aren’t at their best every single minute of their jobs. That’s just reality.
But learning to do that is important, and I think he’s learning.”
So what’s next for Greene? If he keeps playing the way he has, he’s not going anywhere.
His role on the top line looks safe for now, and even if he eventually slides down the lineup, he’s shown he can be a reliable contributor in a top-six role. Long term, maybe he projects as a high-end bottom-six player-a guy who can kill penalties, chip in offensively, and play in all situations.
But right now, he’s proving he can hang with the best.
And for a 2022 second-round pick who wasn’t expected to break camp with the team, that’s a pretty big win-for Greene, for the Blackhawks, and for a rebuilding franchise that’s starting to see its young core come into focus.