In a move forecasted last week, Liam Greentree has been officially returned to OHL Windsor for the 2025-26 season. LA’s top prospect had a good showing in training camp, including recording one assist in each of the four games he played. However, the 19-year-old forward was likely going to have a tough time cracking this year’s NHL roster due to GM Ken Holland and coach Jim Hiller expected to go with a largely veteran lineup.
After the re-signing of Andrei Kuzmenko, the Kings top-9 forwards were all but set in stone. Theoretically, this only left a fourth line role available for Greentree to battle for during training camp. Mix in the additions of free agent signees Corey Perry and Joel Armia, and the 2024 first round selection was going to have a tough hill to climb.
Even the injury to Perry didn’t really open up too much room, as Hiller still had more than a handful of other players — including Alex Turcotte — fighting for ice time.
Expecting Greentree to head back to the OHL tomorrow. He's shown well in all four NHL preseason games though, picking up four assists & playing with pace.
We spoke about it a few weeks ago and he'd embrace the opportunity to lead Windsor on a deep run. Will somebody join him? https://t.co/tH3VaPB6Nu
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 1, 2025
The entire situation also leads right into a classic hockey debate about what’s better for young players, being on a pro roster and playing limited minutes or returning to junior hockey and being a leader on a championship caliber team? It’s a topic Mark Yannetti dug deep into during his recent Kings Of The Podcast appearance.
Beginning next year, the NHL vs. CHL topic will take on new life, as the Kings will have an option to send one 19-year-old prospect to AHL Ontario. Unfortunately, this rule will come into effect 12 months too late for Greentree. However, in September 2026, prospects like Henry Brzustewicz could potentially benefit from the new situation.
As for Greentree’s time with the Spitfires this season, he previously told Mayor’s Manor returning to his junior club won’t be a problem — in fact, he’d welcome it.
“If I go back to Windsor, I’m ready to try and win a championship with them,” he remarked. “Everyone’s a year older, and I think after we make some moves, we’re going to be a really good team. I think we’re going to be a scary team; so, again, I have high expectations for us.”
And in a different article just a few days ago, we touched on the possibility of fellow Kings prospect Carter George possibly being traded to Windsor in just a few months. They could form a potent combo come playoff time.
Finally, Greentree was recently mic’d up during a game, be sure to check out that video linked below.
Lead photo by Daniel Stopani
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Bring him up for the last 9 of the season and the playoffs