Who is Liam Greentree? The young forward at the heart of the Rangers’ Franchise-Shifting Panarin trade

The New York Rangers have officially turned the page on one of the most productive eras in franchise history — and the name leading that transition is Liam Greentree.

Just ahead of the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze, the Rangers completed a seismic deal that sent superstar winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. While Panarin’s departure marks the end of a seven-year run that redefined offensive excellence on Broadway, the trade was clearly designed with an eye toward the future. At the center of that future is Greentree, the highly regarded forward now tasked with becoming a cornerstone of the Rangers’ next phase.

Panarin waived his no-move clause to facilitate the deal, agreeing to join the Kings — the only destination he was willing to consider. In return, the Rangers acquired Greentree, a conditional third-round draft pick that could escalate to a second-rounder if Los Angeles wins a playoff series, and an additional fourth-round pick if the Kings advance further. New York will retain 50 percent of Panarin’s salary.

While Panarin’s name dominated headlines, league insiders quickly pointed out that Greentree was the true prize.

Selected 26th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Greentree has emerged as one of the most exciting young forwards in junior hockey. The 19-year-old has been tearing up the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires, posting 23 goals and 45 points in just 34 games this season. Scouts praise his hockey IQ, two-way awareness, and ability to elevate his play in high-pressure situations — traits the Rangers believe will translate well to the NHL level.

For New York, this move represents more than a simple trade — it’s a philosophical reset.

Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury had informed Panarin in mid-January that the team would not be offering him an extension. That decision, paired with the organization’s announcement of a broader roster retool, made it clear that management was prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term contention.

Panarin had been held out of the Rangers’ previous three games as a precaution, signaling that a deal was imminent. The timing proved critical, as the trade was finalized just before the Olympic freeze deadline, allowing both teams to lock in their plans without risk.

Panarin leaves New York as one of the greatest free-agent signings in franchise history. Over seven seasons, he recorded 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 games, ranking ninth all-time in points for the Rangers. His 1.26 points-per-game average remains the highest in team history.

Still, for all Panarin’s brilliance, the organization believes the next era will be defined by youth, flexibility, and internal development — with Greentree at the forefront.

Los Angeles, meanwhile, wasted no time locking in their new star, finalizing a two-year contract extension with Panarin worth $11 million annually. For the Kings, the move signals an aggressive push toward immediate contention.

For the Rangers, however, the focus is no longer on what was lost — but on what Liam Greentree could become.

As New York reshapes its identity, all eyes will be on the young forward tasked with helping write the franchise’s next chapter.