If the Leafs find themselves sitting at #23 and Liam Greentree is still on the board he’ll likely be too tempting to pass on.
Liam Greentree
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 213lbs
Greentree is a big power forward whose game projects well to the NHL. He protects pucks really well with his long reach and strength, while that, combined with his smooth hands allows him time to make plays it’s his very heavy shot that’s his calling card. He doesn’t need a lot of time or space to get his shot off and does so with accuracy, scoring goals from all over the ice. He comes with a great work ethic and never quits on plays, which are characteristics that earned him the “C” for the Windsor Spitfires, where he scored 36 goals and 90pts in 64 games this year, leading his team in both categories. His defensive play is above average and will only get better as time goes on.
While he does have an engine that never stops, Greentree could use work on his skating. He isn’t the quickest player out there, as is often the case when you’re talking about a kid with his size. He’s patient with the puck but sometimes too patient, as he can be the victim of some untimely giveaways at times. Lastly, he’s more of a gentle giant, if he could get a little meaner and take more advantage of his physical size it would push his stock upwards.
Overall Greentree is a project, but he has tremendous upside that scouts will love. In an unpredictable draft such as this it’s not out of the question that Greentree will still be available at #23, but it also wouldn’t be surprising to see him selected in the mid-teens.