The New York Rangers completed a significant transaction by sending winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, marking one of their most notable roster changes during the current retool. Due to Panarin’s full no-trade clause, he chose the Kings as his destination, limiting the Rangers’ leverage in negotiations. In exchange, the Rangers received a conditional third-round draft pick in 2026 and prospect Liam Greentree, a return that has sparked mixed reactions among the Rangers’ fanbase.
Although fans are disappointed to lose a consistently high-scoring superstar, the organization’s hope hinges on Greentree’s potential to develop into a key long-term asset. Encouragingly, there are indications that Greentree might join the Rangers’ ranks sooner than anticipated, accelerating the team’s rebuild efforts.
Liam Greentree’s Projected Signing Timeline
According to Windsor Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler, as reported by The Athletic’s Peter Baugh, Liam Greentree is expected to sign with the Rangers after the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season concludes in May. Since the Spitfires have already secured a playoff spot, Greentree will continue playing into the postseason, but Bowler does not foresee him returning to Windsor for another full season.
This timeline suggests that Greentree could ink a professional contract with the Rangers this summer, joining the organization’s development pathway sooner than initially projected.
Organizational Confidence in Greentree’s Potential
Rangers General Manager Chris Drury has expressed strong praise for Greentree, highlighting his value during a conference call held after the trade with the Kings was finalized. Drury notably remarked that Greentree holds more worth than the team’s first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027. He also stated his belief that the prospect is ready to transition to professional hockey and will attend the Rangers’ development camp this summer, which precedes the preseason schedule.
Future Role and Development Challenges
If Greentree performs well during the upcoming development camp, there is a realistic possibility he could earn a spot on the Rangers roster. Whether this happens immediately at training camp or midway through the 2026-27 NHL season remains uncertain. Nevertheless, given the Rangers’ current roster situation, opportunities will likely arise for young players to gain professional experience.
Greentree’s scoring ability is well established—he posted an impressive 49 goals and 70 assists over 64 games in the 2024-25 OHL season, and he currently has 24 goals and 24 assists in 37 games this season. However, his skating remains a concern, representing the primary area where improvement is necessary before he can solidify a role at the NHL level.
Outlook for Rangers’ Future with Greentree
The Rangers are placing significant trust in Greentree’s development as a potential cornerstone player. Should he make a strong impression in the near term, an NHL debut during the 2026-27 season is a distinct possibility, giving the team a much-needed infusion of young talent following the Panarin trade.
“I expect him to sign with the Rangers once the OHL season ends and don’t expect him to return.” ?Bill Bowler, General Manager, Windsor Spitfires
“Liam Greentree is more valuable than the team’s first round picks in 2026 and 2027. I feel he’s ready to go pro and expect him to report to development camp.” ?Chris Drury, General Manager, New York Rangers
#NYR GM Chris Drury on new prospect Liam Greentree:
“Well, I think he brings a lot to the table. Certainly, just looking at his numbers and his offensive production, it's very exciting. He’s got some size to him. He's got a really good hockey IQ, and a lot of skill… We valued…
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 5, 2026
