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Greening is a classic bang-bang bottom-six boy who's probably dialled onto the Leafs' fourth line. He uses his size (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) effectively and loves to play terrier on the ice, going into corners and holes to retrieve the biscuit for his linemates. We suspect that's why youngster William Nylander loves playing alongside Greening – CG helps keep Willy's face unbruised with his teeth intact. Greening could play on the third line, but Matt Martin's arrival in Toronto pushes the winger down a notch. But he could have so low-level fantasy value if he becomes a complementary, third-line winger. Pass on him come draft day, but remember his name as a potential short-term filler off the wire.
Greening managed only one point while playing in 26 games during the 2014-15 season for Ottawa, and doesn't project to see his role grow much further from here. In five NHL seasons with the Senators, Greening has only managed to tally more than 20 points during the 2011-12 season. If he's able to break camp again with a roster spot in hand, Greening figures to serve as a healthy scratch for the Sens more often than not.
Greening was another disappointing player for the Senators in 2013-14, racking up just six goals and 11 assists in 76 games. He showed he has the ability to score in 2011-12, when he posted 17 goals and 20 assists in 82 games, but his effectiveness is limited when he's not playing in the top-six with elite linemates. The team has been waiting for him to break out for a few years now, and there's no telling just how much longer they're willing to wait.
Greening had a decent season in 2013, recording eight goals and 17 assists in 47 games for the Senators. He was mostly a fourth line role player last year, but some experts have him pegged to move up to the third line this season since he's shown some offensive ability that may benefit from more opportunities. The Sens will likely put him with some other young players with bright futures (Mika Zibanejad, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, etc.), and Greening could have a break out year, but there's definitely no need to make him a draft priority.
The 26-year old Greening had a solid rookie season in 2011-12, notching 17 goals and adding 20 assists in 82 games. He played much of the season on Ottawa’s top line with Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek, using his size and speed to help open up the ice for his linemates. One of the fastest skaters in the league, Greening also posses a hard, fast shot that can fool goalies if they’re not expecting it. He could have a difficult time replicating his production of the previous season as he’ll be battling with a number of Ottawa’s highly touted forward prospects, such as Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad for a shot on one of the top two lines. Greening's puck-handling skills are merely adequate and he’s ultimately better suited as a third-line winger. That being said, head coach Paul MacLean’s system is all about offense, so even if he settles into a third-line role, he could still put up around 15 goals and 20 assists. Remember Greening in deeper leagues.
Greening was another Binghamton callup who impressed Ottawa's management with his physical play and ability to open up space for his linemates in the offensive zone. In 24 games with the big club, the 6'3", 210 lb center notched six goals and added seven assists. Greening surprised many when he won both the fastest skater and hardest shot contests during Ottawa's annual skills contest. It's those skills that have Ottawa's management intrigued by his potential offensive upside at the NHL level. While he did spend some time playing with Jason Spezza and Bobby Butler on Ottawa's first line, look for him to start the season on Ottawa's third or fourth line to start 2011-12. 10 goals and 20 assists for the rookie center is not out of the question. Greening is still a work-in-progress having come out of the college ranks, but he is one of the most in-shape and hardest working of Ottawa's youngsters.
Greening should spend the entire 2010-11 season in the AHL playing on one of Binghamton's top two lines. He has some good offensive potential and is a heady two-way player. Greening is probably a year or two away from earning a fulltime NHL spot.
