The Detroit Red Wings will pick 15th in the 2024 Draft, the lowest selection they have earned since the 2016 Draft (20th overall after trading from the 16th pick with the then-Arizona Coyotes) when they selected defenseman Dennis Cholowski. While the Cholowski pick did not work out as hoped, the organization has had some luck with the 15th overall pick over the last ten drafts, landing both captain Dylan Larkin (2014) and goaltender Sebastian Cossa (2021).
Heading into this year’s draft, general manager Steve Yzerman finds himself in a good position, boasting one of the league’s best pipelines. Having this in his back pocket means he could pick a player who could be seen as a luxury or a project, and there is one player, if available, Yzerman would likely be very happy to select, who fits the mold as a strong two-way player with a relentless motor and work ethic. That player is Liam Greentree from the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
On a weaker Spitfires team this season, Greentree showcased his offensive game with a strong shot and solid playmaking ability. He is a 200-foot player who is more than willing to play as much defense as he is offense. Offensively, he can get himself and his teammates into good position for success. When he has the puck on his stick, he is constantly looking around to make the smartest play possible. At times, he does make iffy decisions, but Greentree is, for the most part, solid with his decision-making. However, it’s his shot that causes the most damage offensively, as he has progressively improved and honed in on it, scoring a team-high 36 goals this season.
Related: THW’s 2024 NHL Draft Guide
Defensively, he does not stick out but uses his reach and length to his advantage to make plays at his end of the ice to help limit the opposition’s chances.
Where Greentree Needs to Improve
As a bigger player (6-foot-2, 198 pounds), Greentree does not get involved in the physical aspect of the game as much as many would expect. If he can garner the confidence and consistency to play a more physical game, it would help him at both ends of the ice. Along with his physicality, for his size, Greentree’s skating ability is a bit behind some of his contemporaries. He improved on this throughout the season, but it is still an area that needs development that the organization that selects him will keep a close eye on as he progresses.
As mentioned, his decision-making can go a little haywire; if he continues to…
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