Liam Greentree Scouting Report | A fantastic Do-It-All Winger.

Liam Greentree emerges as somewhat of an underdog on the prospect scene, initially flying a little under the radar due to perceived skill deficiencies. However, as the season unfolds, he defies expectations, steadily ascending the ranks game after game, month after month. Despite facing scrutiny for his skating limitations, Greentree showcases resilience and an ability to not just play but excel on the ice.

Count me among the believers in Greentree’s potential. My admiration for him dates back to last season when he netted 25 goals in his inaugural OHL campaign. Fast forward to the present, and my enthusiasm has only intensified. Greentree has taken his offensive game to new heights, cranking it up a notch or two, while simultaneously revealing additional dimensions in his overall skill set. His evolution on the ice is a testament to his determination and growing prowess, making him a prospect worth keeping a close eye on.

Here’s a Link to the full video on Youtube. https://youtu.be/AECHYoL232s?si=maot8jAOHGpsQjN3

Skating:

Let’s kick off our discussion with a closer look at Greentree’s skating. Now, I won’t sugarcoat it; some… most might call it below average, but call me an optimist—I see potential. I tend to lean on the brighter side of things more often than not. Players with less-than-ideal skating skills often need that extra time to find their groove and match the fast pace of the game. The key here is if they’ve got the smarts, the sense, and can execute with precision, they can still shine, even if their skating isn’t textbook

When we check out Greentree’s game, it’s a bit of a mix. His quick bursts of speed, while not the slickest, do the trick by making room and creating seperation to set up smart plays or well-timed shots. The hiccup comes when he’s in it for the long run. After those first strides, it’s a bit of a challenge to pick up more speed, and things get a bit messy. Picture his whole body getting into the action, twisting and turning trying to pick up speed. Additionally, the recovery of his stride lacks that depth for power, leading to some wear and tear by the end of a shift.

Here’s the deal – not every player starting with less-than-awesome skating is doomed. We’ve seen success stories in the past, proving there’s room for growth. Players like Kotkaniemi, Robertson, Dylan Strome and Brayden Point all had their own skating challenges to overcome. The bottom line is there’s room to get better. With his own bag of skills, Greentree’s got the potential to polish up and get even better over time.

Hockey Sense:

I’m a big fan of Greentree’s hockey sense. He keeps things simple and effective, often relying on give-and-go plays to propel the team forward during transitions. Recognizing his own limitations, he smartly involves teammates to optimize the play.

When it comes to zone entries, Greentree demonstrates a sharp understanding of his capabilities. Instead of dumping it all the way in, he strategically pushes the puck towards an open pocket of space past the blue line, leveraging his burst of speed and reach to ensure he’s first to the puck.

Offensively, Greentree shines in navigating coverage. While he might not share the same firepower as Eisermsan, his off-puck movement is a standout feature. He adeptly repositions himself into pockets of space, showcasing a level of off-puck intelligence that rivals the best in this draft.

Although his shot may not mirror Eisermsan’s, Greentree excels at getting into prime scoring positions and presenting himself as an easy passing target. While he may not be the primary playmaker like Leo Carlsson, he excels in creating time and space for himself—an embodiment of a scorer’s mentality.

One standout aspect of his hockey IQ is his ability to avoid forcing plays. When faced with the puck in unfavorable spots, Greentree opts for strategic moves, either putting the puck on net for potential rebounds or sending it back to the blue line to reset the play. It’s a stark contrast to players like Trevor Connely, showcasing Greentree’s thoughtful and composed approach on the ice.

Stickhandling:

When it comes to Greentree’s stickhandling, I was pleasently surprised, particularly given his larger build and the fact that he isn’t overly reliant on fancy footwork. While he may not boast lightning-quick hands, there’s a distinct proficiency in his ability to control the puck. This skill becomes particularly evident as he adeptly keeps the puck away from would-be poke checks and maneuvers past defenders.

What sets Greentree apart in this department is his commitment to simplicity. He’s not one to overcomplicate things; instead, he opts for a straightforward yet effective approach. Whether it’s creating passing opportunities or making a move towards the net, he does what needs to be done without unnecessary flair.

However, an area for potential improvement surfaces – he has a tendency to halt his footwork when navigating around defenders. While this aspect could use some refinement, the fundamental skills in his stickhandling are undeniably solid. It sets the stage for future development, suggesting that with a bit of work on his footwork, his stickhandling game could become an even more formidable asset.

Compete:

Greentree brings a strong dose of competitiveness and confidence to every inch of the ice. While he’s not necessarily a bruiser, his assertiveness is a standout feature, making effective use of his substantial frame and reach to separate opponents from the puck, whether in aggressive forechecks or one-on-one battles. Whether it’s securing puck retrievals after a well-placed dump behind the defense, aiding in defensive zone breakouts, or establishing offensive possession along the boards, Greentree approaches every confrontation on the ice with an unwavering determination to come out on top.

This Intensity extends to his forechecking, where he actively aims to strip the puck from opponents rather than merely going through the motions. When he hits the ice, opposing defenses undoubtedly feel the heat, as Greentree doesn’t play around – he’s there to win, even if the team might not be securing victories every time.

Drawing parallels, he resembles the 2024 version of Ryan Leonard, minus the top-tier skating. Like Leonard, Greentree is a highly skilled and intensely competitive player who comprehends his role and approaches the game with confidence and assertiveness.

Passing:

Passing might not have been his standout skill, but the more I observed, the more I realized it’s an underappreciated aspect of his game. Throughout the season, he showcased numerous dangerous and highly skilled passes, revealing proficiency on both the forehand and the backhand. His puck skills allow him to effortlessly send saucer passes over sticks and between defenders’ legs, maintaining a quick and precise release on both sides without the need for prolonged puck handling. The puck is often a brief visitor on his stick. While there are instances where he holds onto it to set up plays, more often than not, he’s a skilled redirector—receiving the puck and swiftly redirecting it with precision to the other side of the ice. His passes consistently find the mark.

As mentioned earlier, I don’t anticipate him being the primary playmaker on his line, but it wouldn’t catch me off guard if he evolved into a highly adept playmaker. The groundwork is laid, and the potential is evident.

Shooting:

Now, let’s dive into Greentree’s ultimate weapon – his shot. His wrist shot is a triple threat: quick, powerful, and incredibly accurate. It’s the kind of shot that can beat goalies clean from distance. But, of course, nothing is perfect. While he can light up the scoreboard with his wrist shot in junior hockey, there’s a lingering question about its adaptation to the NHL. The foundation is there for a top-tier shot, but there’s a tendency to use a bit too much ice, risking deflections. The good news? There’s a sense that he’s aware and putting in the work to refine it. Watching him fiercely push the puck forward from just outside his left toes with consistent power and accuracy is precisely what you want to see.

But wait, there’s more to this guy’s arsenal. Greentree isn’t confined to a single shooting style. He’s a versatile shooter who doesn’t rely heavily on booming slap shots. Instead, he unleashes a highly effective snap shot in motion. No need for extra time or space; just drop the puck a bit closer to his feet, and it’s released like a rocket. Once again, it’s a potent combination of power and precision. His release is swift, with minimal hesitations to outsmart goalies, and he doesn’t overly indulge in toe drags to change the angle. While he dabbles in it occasionally, there’s minimal lateral motion. Who knows? Perhaps he’ll fine-tune this aspect and turn it into an another strength.

Now, here’s a remarkable facet of Greentree’s game – his prowess with rebounds. He can unleash a shot with power, accuracy, and elevation, even when the puck’s tangled in his skates. What sets him apart is not just the shot itself but his ability to be right there, ready to capitalize on those rebounds. It’s not something that often steals the spotlight, but with Greentree, it’s an understated yet impressive dimension of his game.

Wrap-up:

In summary, it’s pretty clear by now that I’m quite impressed with him. He’s firmly in my top 16, and I anticipate his stock rising on most people’s boards as the season progresses, especially if he maintains his current level of production and fine-tunes his skating stride.

All things considered, Greentree is a player armed with an array of above-average tools and a keen ability to harmonize them on the ice. The flaws are undeniable and pose a genuine risk in the projection, but I would be genuinely surprised if he doesn’t make a mark in the big leagues. The versatility of his offense, coupled with his intelligence, confidence, and competitive spirit, along with his adept stick handling and overall puck skills, suggest a solid floor as a middle-six winger in the NHL who plays with an edge and contribute offensively.