Windsor Spitfires Captain Discovers Trade Through Teammate Questions
In the fast-paced world of professional hockey trades, players often find themselves among the last to know about their own career movements. This was precisely the case for Windsor Spitfires captain Liam Greentree, who learned about his significant trade from the Los Angeles Kings to the New York Rangers through curious teammates rather than official channels.
Bus Ride Revelation
The twenty-year-old forward was traveling with his Windsor Spitfires teammates to North Bay on Wednesday when the unexpected questions began. "I was just on the bus and a couple of guys were asking me if I got traded for Artemi Panarin and I didn't know," Greentree revealed. The initial confusion quickly turned to reality when he checked social media and received confirmation from his agent.
The trade represents a substantial move for both franchises. The Los Angeles Kings dealt Greentree, their first-round selection from the 2024 NHL Draft, along with two conditional draft picks to acquire veteran forward Artemi Panarin from the Rangers. Panarin brings impressive credentials to Los Angeles, having been named the NHL's rookie of the year in 2016 and earning two all-star selections during his career.
Processing the Unexpected News
Standing at six-foot-three and weighing 216 pounds, Greentree admitted to being caught off guard by the transaction. "Honestly, I was pretty surprised by it," he confessed. "This kind of stuff, you don't get a warning about it. It's a part of the business and I've accepted that."
Despite the sudden nature of the trade, Greentree expressed gratitude toward his former organization while embracing his new opportunity. "The Kings treated me well and it was super awesome to be drafted by them, but I'm looking forward to the next phase with the Rangers," he stated. "I'm definitely pumped about it. Again, it kind of comes as a surprise, but it's super exciting and there are some new opportunities."
Connections and Future Prospects
The transition was eased by conversations with his agent, parents, and Rangers general manager Chris Drury. "(Drury's) really happy to have me," Greentree shared. "New York's a great franchise, an Original Six, and it's cool to be part of it and all the historical players there. Being traded for Panarin's not a bad thing, he's a good player and I'm excited to get started."
Greentree may find familiar company in New York, potentially joining former Spitfires captain Will Cuylle, who graduated from Windsor the same year Greentree was selected in the second round of the OHL Draft. "He's texted me a little and said, 'Congratulations,'" Greentree noted. "We workout a little in the summer. He's a great guy and kind of a role model for me in the gym and the Spits connection is cool as well."
Focus on Current Commitments
Despite the professional implications, Greentree remains committed to his junior hockey responsibilities with the Spitfires. Spitfires head coach Greg Walters addressed the situation before Thursday's game against North Bay, expressing confidence in his captain's focus. "No, not at all," Walters responded when asked if the trade would affect Greentree's performance. "It's part of the game. He is excited to start the process with the Rangers."
Greentree echoed this dedication to his current team. "We've got a big game against North Bay (on Thursday) and a big weekend here and I'm focused on that," he emphasized. "I still have this season with Windsor and we've got a good run going. It's been four years with Windsor, so I owe them a run and I'm excited for that."
The trade represents a significant milestone in Greentree's developing career, marking his transition from promising draft pick to valuable trade asset in the competitive NHL landscape. While the news arrived unexpectedly through teammate inquiries rather than formal notification, the young forward has embraced the opportunity with characteristic professionalism and enthusiasm.
