With Kings training camp now a week old, two of the three key storylines coming in are coming into sharper focus. In fact, the first item has already reached a conclusion — LA’s captain announced this will be his final season of NHL action. And item three remains on hold, with no further updates available on Adrian Kempe’s potential contract extension (beyond what’s laid out here, including a prediction on where the numbers ultimately land).
Which brings us to the third topic… What’s the plan for Liam Greentree’s immediate future?
To reiterate our earlier comments, he was always considered a longshot to make the Kings opening night roster. Yes, he destroyed the OHL last season with 119 points. However, that still doesn’t mean he’s ready for NHL action. And with a Kings team already committed to their top-9 forwards, does it really help his long-term development to be playing fourth line minutes in LA over getting action in all situations and playing heavy minutes back in Windsor? Even if somebody can argue their way around those points, there’s also GM Ken Holland’s asset management challenge to contend with.
Before Corey Perry’s injury, Holland and coach Jim Hiller had eight players realistically competing for three roster spots — and of that group, only Greentree is waiver exempt. Sure, the Perry situation makes the problem slightly less ominous, as it temporarily opens one more potential spot on a 23-man roster. Yet, it’s still a complex situation.
Given the way camp is unfolding, we’re expecting Greentree to get at least one more preseason game. He should see action Saturday night in Bakersfield, when the Kings and Ducks square off for the third of their four exhibition games. What happens after that?
Sunday will be a day off for all players. AHL camp is set to open on Monday or Tuesday, that’s still being finalized according to team sources. Regardless, that shouldn’t matter too much. The Kings will be playing in Boise on Tuesday and then are scheduled to practice again in LA on Wednesday, before traveling to play a game in Utah on Thursday. That latter game is where the opening night roster should start to come into focus, as Hiller has stated he’ll most likely be playing a heavy dose of regulars by then.
Thus, if Greentree was to get another preseason game after Saturday, it would most likely be on Tuesday. That’s really pushing it though, as Hiller will most likely need as much time as possible to get evaluations on the players more likely to be in contention for NHL roster spots — guys like Andre Lee, Akil Thomas, and Jeff Malott.
The tea leaves would suggest Greentree will be headed back to the OHL on Sunday at the earliest or Wednesday at the latest.
Only time will tell for sure.
One thing is certain, though, the highly skilled winger still has a very bright future in Los Angeles and he remains the team’s top prospect. Greentree also has the right mindset if the OHL is his final destination soon.
From an earlier article on Mayor’s Manor:
We’ll leave you with this. There’s a strong chance that fellow Kings prospect Carter George will be traded in the OHL this season (note: this has no impact on the Kings rights to the young netminder). Where might Owen Sound be sending him? Keep a close eye on Windsor after gold medals are handed out at the World Juniors tournament on January 5, 2026. Very soon thereafter, the OHL Trade Deadline will arrive on January 10, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see Windsor make a hard run at George.
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