NHL or OHL? Breaking Down the LA Kings’ Options for Liam Greentree This Season

Liam Greentree is undoubtedly the LA Kings’ number-one prospect in a very shallow pool. The 19-year-old is coming off an outstanding 119-point campaign in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires and has generated plenty of excitement throughout Kings land. For those wondering — or hoping — Greentree can play in the AHL this upcoming campaign, he can’t. Due to his age and the date of his birthday (January 1st), Greentree isn’t eligible to be stashed in the AHL and play games for the Ontario Reign, per the CHL-NHL transfer agreement rule under the current CBA. Had he turned 20 on or before December 31 of this calendar year, then yes, the Kings could have loaned him to the AHL; unfortunately, he missed the cutoff date by 24 hours.

So, what are the options for the 19-year-old this upcoming season since the avenue of him playing in the AHL is closed? Let’s take a look at them.

Option 1: NHL

Currently, this option is unlikely and raises several questions. If Greentree makes the opening night roster and sticks, it means he had a strong camp and forced the team’s hand. However, once the Kings and RFA Alex Laferriere come to terms on a new contract, the top nine is solidified, barring any trades. So, if he makes the roster, it means he earned it, but is he physically ready? Will they find a spot for him in the top nine? If not, is playing 6-8 minutes a night on the fourth line good for his development? Will Jim Hiller have the patience for development while balancing the expectations of winning games?

In the end, I don’t think this option happens. There’s no room, nor the ice time, for him at this moment, and I don’t think Hiller will balance patience with trying to win games.

Option 2: Back to the OHL

This is more likely to happen than him making the NHL right now. Greentree’s entry-level contract is still slide-eligible (doesn’t kick in until he plays 10 games), and sending him back to the OHL isn’t the worst thing in the world. It’s possible Greentree could get an extended look in camp, but ultimately, being loaned back to juniors after preseason could be the Kings’ best option with him ineligible to play in the AHL and not much roster room either.

Option 3: Nine-game trial run

If you like experiments and creativity, then this option is best for you. The nine-game trial experiment is a path the Kings took with Brandt Clarke in 2022 when he was in the same situation as Greentree is.

This scenario would see Greentree play nine NHL games, healthy scratch for five games after his ninth game, have a two-week “conditioning assignment” in the AHL with the Reign, be loaned to World Juniors (if Team Canada doesn’t decide to leave him off the roster again) once the conditioning assignment is over, and be loaned back to his OHL club shortly after. It’s a long path, but it’s one the Kings have if they can do so.

Which option do you want to see?