While the Windsor Spitfires are pushing towards a playoff spot in the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Western Conference, they got some recognition on Friday. NHL Central Scouting released its Midterm Rankings ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft and five players were a part of it.
Sign up for our NHL Prospects & Draft Substack newsletter
Coming into 2023-24, it was no secret that the Spitfires were going to struggle a bit. They went all-in last season and the result is an influx of youth and draft picks. However, general manager Bill Bowler has been able to use the situation to develop his younger core. With that comes extra playing time and, potentially, NHL recognition. On Friday, five players were ranked in the NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings among North American skaters. While this has been a tough season, the recognition is a sign that things are looking up. Let’s go through the rankings.
#12 – Forward Liam Greentree
When the Spitfires drafted the 6-foot-2, 198-pound Liam Greentree 34th overall in the second round in 2022, they envisioned a kid who could do it all. Little did they know that he would become a force so quickly.
In his rookie season, he put home 25 goals and 45 points in 61 games, building his confidence as the season progressed. He was a large winger who wasn’t afraid to go anywhere on the ice if it meant helping his team. This season, that has only progressed. He already has 23 goals and 55 points in just 36 games, ranking him 10th in the OHL. He’s currently listed 12th among North American Skaters and there’s no reason he can’t climb higher. On New Year’s Eve, interim head coach Casey Torres said Greentree is not only a great player but a great person.
“First and foremost, he’s an outstanding individual,” Torres said. “(He has a) high compete level, but then his hockey sense and his deception game is at an elite level. He’s also got an elite shot and, when you have multiple elite characteristics, you’re going to find a lot of NHL teams interested.”
Latest News & Highlights
With the Spitfires rebuilding, a lot of the spotlight will be on him as he leads the club into the second half and 2024-25. He doesn’t seem phased by anything, which can only benefit him in the long-term. How far can the Oshawa, ON native go? We’re going to find out.
#101 – Defenceman Anthony Cristoforo
The Spitfires’ first-round pick in 2022, defenceman…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…