Rangers Acquire Rising Star in Major Western Conference Deal
The New York Rangers acquired rising prospect Liam Greentree on Wednesday in a blockbuster trade that sent veteran winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings, marking one of the most significant roster moves as the NHL entered its Olympic freeze period.
The 20-year-old left-handed winger represents the centerpiece of the Rangers’ return for one of their greatest free agency signings of all time. The LA Kings also received conditional draft picks in the deal, while New York Rangers GM Chris Drury secured a legitimate franchise prospect who projects to become a top-six forward at the professional level.
Who Is Liam Greentree?
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 216 pounds, Greentree was selected 26th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Kings. The Windsor Spitfires standout has emerged as one of the most prolific junior players, accumulating 164 points over the last season and a half with 72 goals in 98 games.
This season, Greentree has posted 45 points in 34 games for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, representing a decrease from his 119-point campaign last year. Despite the dip, scouts remain bullish on his elite offensive sense, killer release, and puck-handling abilities—traits that position him as a potential impact scorer at the NHL level.
Panarin Finds His Way to Los Angeles
The artemi panarin trade comes after the Rangers informed the veteran forward they would not extend his contract beyond this season. The 34-year-old winger, who exercised his full no-movement clause, specifically requested a trade to LA Kings, limiting the return the Rangers could command.
Panarin wraps up his seven-year, $81.5 million contract—signed in July 2019—having accumulated 57 points in 52 games this season. He ranked as the Rangers’ leading scorer in five of the last six campaigns and finishes his tenure with 804 career NHL games and 927 points.
Within 30 minutes of the trade announcement, the Kings signed Panarin to a two-year, $11 million extension. The New York Rangers retained 50 percent of his remaining cap hit through the season’s end.
What’s Next for Greentree?
Analysts project Greentree could challenge for an NHL roster spot in training camp next fall, though a developmental stint with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack may prove beneficial. His skating and physical engagement remain areas requiring refinement before consistent professional impact.
The prospect’s addition aligns with other young offensive talent in the Rangers system, positioning the franchise for a retool period following a disappointing first half of the season.
