Washington Capitals 2024 Draft Target: Liam Greentree – Hockey Writers – Washington Capitals

There are enough quality forwards in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft available for the Washington Capitals to select. One of the wing players that general manager Brian MacLellan and his staff could select is right winger Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). If Washington can get their hands on Greentree and reach his potential, they will have a valuable weapon that will help propel their offense for many seasons to come.

Greentree Found Wisdom in Windsor

Greentree was born on Jan. 1, 2006, Oshawa, Ontario. He is one of the top draft picks in this class who spent time in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), suiting up for the Markham Majors U16 AAA team. In 22 games with Markham, Greentree posted 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points.

After playing a role with that team in the 2021-22 season, he left the GTHL and joined the Spitfires in the OHL. The Spitfires are a strong organization that has produced several alumni who have played in the NHL. Other names, among others, include Taylor Hall, Ed Jovanovski, Adam Graves, and Steve Ott. Greentree played his first OHL campaign in 2022-23, posting 25 goals and 20 assists for 45 points in 61 games to finish sixth on the list in points. Matthew Maggio (111 points), Jacob Maillet (76), Alex Christopoulos (74), Oliver Peer (67), and Colton Smith (47) had more than him.

It was a small sample of Greentree with Windsor, but he proved to be a respected player and team member. As a result, he was appointed captain of the Spitfires midway through the 2023-24 campaign. That season, he emerged as an offensive force, producing 90 points (36 goals and 54 assists) in 64 games. This led all players on the list, as his next teammates on the scoring list were Ryan Abraham (66 points), Peer (47), and Cole Davis (41.)

Greentree's Strengths and NHL Comparisons

There's a lot to like about Greentree's game. He carried the weight of the team on his shoulders in 2023-24. The Spitfires had a generally poor season, finishing with an 18-42-5-3 record. That was good enough for 44 points at the top and a last-place finish in the West Division. Individually, Greentree was one of the bright spots in a terrible season. Hockey Writers' Dayton Reimer talks about his value to Windsor in 2023-24. Reimer wrote: “Of all the forwards available in the 2024 NHL Draft, Liam Greentree may be among the hardest workers. The Windsor Spitfires have been one of the worst teams in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season, posting just 18 wins in 68 games and allowing 360 goals against, the highest number by a wide margin. But they haven't been too bad and a lot of that is down to their captain, Liam Greentree, who has put the team on his shoulders and made a strong case for why he should be a top-15 pick for 2024.”

Related: Top 5 Power Forwards In 2024 NHL Entry Draft

Adam Kimelman also discussed in an article about what makes Greentree's game so good, writing that Greentree's “leadership, (and) offensive skill set” were boosting his stock ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft. Kimelman spoke with Spitfires coach Casey Torres about what makes him so special, and what Torres says should have NHL fans excited to add him to their roster. “'He's competitive, he loves the game,'” Torres said in the caption. “He is very talented. The trick game is on another level. I think he is very good at showing something and doing something else. And of course, you have a dynamic shot as well. But first, he is an outstanding high-class kid, well-liked by his teammates. And you do things the right way. He's big, he moves well, he's competitive, he's not afraid of anything on the ice. And he has no problem taking pucks from difficult spots.”

If Greentree makes the NHL, what comparison would he have for what he could turn to? Reimer's name, featured in Greentree's Draft Profile by Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. Reimer wrote, “Although he's often described as a power forward, Greentree isn't exactly the same high-scoring threat in the NHL as Jarome Iginla or Cam Neely. Instead, he looks like Jason Robertson, who had similar problems during his time with the Kingston Frontenacs. Greentree will need time to get his skating up to an average NHL level, but there is a chance he could emerge as a 40-goal, 80-point player in the right program.” If Greentree becomes the next Robertson, that would please whoever drafts him at the end of June. Robertson put up the following numbers during his time with the Stars:

• 2019-20: one assist in three games
• 2020-21: 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 51 games
• 2021-22: 41 goals and 38 assists for 79 points in 74 games
• 2022-23: 46 goals and 63 assists for 109 points in 82 games
• 2023-24: 29 goals and 51 assists for 80 points in 82 games

Robertson has been one of the key talents in Dallas' offense. He helped the Stars reach the 2024 Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers; The Stars were close to making the Stanley Cup Final and Robertson is one of the main reasons why the team is so dangerous. During the Stars' 2024 postseason run, he tallied six goals and 10 assists for 16 points in 19 games. Greentree, if things play right, has the potential to put up the same numbers as Robertson. He can emerge as a star for whoever drafts him, as long as he continues to develop in the right direction.

Greentree's Fit for the Capitals

There is no question that Greentree will join the Caps when his time in the NHL comes. Any team can make room for him if he's going to be another version of Robertson. Current Capitals right wing players include Tom Wilson, TJ Oshie, Aliaksei Protas (who can also play other forward positions), and Sonny Milano (who can play either wing). Oshie is entering the final season of his contract with Washington, and if he comes back beyond that, I don't think it would be that long of an extension. Wilson has been locked up for as long as Protas, with Milano having two seasons left on his current deal. There is room available for Greentree if the Capitals draft him.

He, along with other pieces the Capitals have built or will prepare for the future, could all help build the next chapter of the offense once Alexander Ovechkin's time is over. Greentree is likely to be the organization's next strong player in the coming seasons.