Just before the NHL's roster freeze went into effect, the New York Rangers pulled off a blockbuster move-sending star winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. The reaction was swift and, as you'd expect, mixed.
Many fans questioned the return, wondering how a player of Panarin’s caliber didn’t command a bigger haul. But the truth is, the Rangers were negotiating from a tough spot.
With Panarin only willing to waive his no-movement clause for one team-the Kings-the front office had limited leverage. Given that, landing a top prospect and a guaranteed draft pick is more than just salvaging value; it’s a strategic pivot toward the future.
The centerpiece of the deal is 20-year-old Liam Greentree, a name that might not be on every Rangers fan’s radar just yet, but one that could become a staple at Madison Square Garden in the not-so-distant future. Greentree was the Kings’ first-round pick in 2024, selected 26th overall after a dominant year in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires.
He posted 36 goals and 54 assists for 90 points in 64 games that season-impressive numbers, no doubt. But what he did the following year turned heads across the league: 49 goals, 70 assists, 119 points in the same number of games.
That’s not just production-that’s dominance.
This season, Greentree’s kept the momentum going with 24 goals and 24 assists in 37 games, continuing to showcase the offensive toolkit that made him a first-rounder. And while some fans are understandably cautious-concerned the Rangers might mismanage another top prospect-Greentree’s ceiling could be higher than anyone currently in their pipeline.
He’s not a project. He’s a potential difference-maker, and he may be NHL-ready as early as next season.
A Unique Skill Set That Doesn’t Fit the Mold
Greentree isn’t your typical power forward, and that’s part of what makes him so intriguing. He doesn’t bulldoze his way through defenders like Tom Wilson, but he brings a different kind of edge-one that’s drawn comparisons to Matthew Tkachuk.
Like Tkachuk, Greentree blends high-end hockey IQ with a gritty, two-way game that makes him a pain to play against. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty in front of the net, has a nose for finishing plays, and shows the kind of patience and vision in the offensive zone that can’t be taught.
Some critics have suggested he leans too heavily on his linemates to generate offense, but the numbers-and the tape-tell a different story. He’s fully capable of creating his own chances, whether it’s by finding soft spots in coverage, winning puck battles, or threading the perfect pass. His game is built on anticipation and timing, not just raw power.
The Skating Question
If there’s one area that scouts consistently point to as a weakness, it’s Greentree’s skating. His stride isn’t where it needs to be yet, especially if he’s going to slot into a top-six role at the NHL level.
That said, it’s not a red flag-it’s a development note. He’s been steadily improving in that area over the past two seasons, and with professional coaching and conditioning, there’s every reason to believe he can close that gap.
A stint in the AHL might be in the cards, but it’s more about polish than overhaul.
A Resume That Speaks for Itself
Greentree’s accolades are already stacking up. In 2022-23, he led all OHL rookies in goals with 25 and earned a spot on the league’s First All-Rookie Team. The following year, he took home gold at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U18 World Juniors, while also being named to the OHL’s Third All-Star Team.
In 2024-25, his trophy case got even more crowded. He was named to the CHL’s Third All-Star Team, the OHL’s First All-Star Team, and won the Mickey Renaud Captains Trophy-an award that honors leadership, commitment, and character. He also suited up for Team Canada at the U20 World Juniors and brought home a bronze medal.
That’s not just a promising young player. That’s a guy who’s been a leader, a winner, and a consistent producer at every level he’s played.
A Calculated Gamble with Upside
Sure, the return for Panarin might feel underwhelming on the surface. We’re talking about a top-tier offensive talent who’s been a cornerstone for the Rangers. But considering the circumstances-a limited trade market and the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency-this deal gives New York something tangible to build around.
Greentree isn’t a sure thing. No prospect is.
But he’s got the tools, the track record, and the upside to be a core piece moving forward. If he hits his ceiling, the Rangers may look back at this trade as a turning point-a moment where they bet on the future and got it right.
Time will tell. But for now, Rangers fans have a new name to keep an eye on. And if Greentree lives up to the billing, he won’t just be a footnote in the Panarin trade-he’ll be a foundational piece of what’s next in New York.