Ryan Greene's versatility can serve him well in 2026-27

Ryan Greene was one of the Chicago Blackhawks' greatest weapons last season. Considering the 22 year old rookie got an opportunity at the beginning of the season and grew into one of Connor Bedard's most consistent linemates, there is still a lot of potential there.

Going into the 2026-27 season, Greene's role might look different. Even though he was a staple on the top line with Bedard, that might not be the case next season with players like Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov in the fold.

In that case, his storyline for next season will revolve around his versatility.

How Greene became an effective top six player

Thinking back to opening night against the Florida Panthers, Greene started as the fourth-line center, and then he moved to the top line with Bedard and Andre Burakovsky towards the end of October.

In Greene's position, his adaptability came up a lot. Obviously, with Bedard, he was playing more wing. But he did get some reps at center throughout the season, including when Bedard was recovering from a shoulder injury.

What's funny about Greene is that playing wing was somewhat new to him, yet it worked out in both aspects. In December, I asked him if it was a seamless transition from wing to center. "I would say yeah, just because... I played center my whole life. I've never really played the wing, and then obviously, I got put on the wing there for a little bit with Connor, and I thought it was good. Like, I didn't find it too hard to adjust to, but getting thrown back there... I wouldn't say it's something that's hard for me to do, just because I've played center for so long."

Technicalities on position aside, his stats were favorable. He had 12 goals, 29 points, and a 42.5 percent faceoff percentage in 81 games. Offense was a working point for him last season. However, the goals started to come more for him at the end, as he finished with a goal in three straight games to finish the season.

Head coach Jeff Blashill said about Greene in March, "Well, it's interesting, right? Like you get a chance every day to kind of build your resume, and he's done a good job of building that in a positive fashion. And, you know, what he is?... he's not chaotic in his game. His game's pretty calm, and he's pretty smart. So I think that helps him play with a guy, like with Connor, because he can kind of read off him, and he doesn't have a lot of, like, just crazy moments. He just plays a pretty... I don't want to say simple game. But it's simple enough, but yet, can make a pass and can make a good feed in those situations, and he's pretty good defensively. So... we'll see where it goes. At some point, I may have to try him out at center a little bit more, as this kind of keeps going through the year and the last whatever games we have left. But he's done a good job kind of being a good, complementary player in the top line.”

Greene's success in different lineups could become more significant

Going into next season, it will be interesting to see where Greene will end up. He's a very solid option at center, alongside other options, including Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, and Oliver Moore. With Bedard out to start the year, that may increase Greene's opportunities at center.

Greene's game seems ideal for the bottom six. But if needed, the Blackhawks now know he can be productive playing in the top six. Will that keep him more at wing in the lineup?

No matter where he plays, his mindset has remained steady on his overall game. He said during exit interviews about what he was working on for next season, "I think just getting over pucks, winning pucks, and just making sure I'm responsible defensively. I think I need to be somebody who's a 200-foot player for this team. So, just taking pride in that."

Greene's versatility will be more significant, since he could be utilized throughout the lineup rather than primarily on the first line. And how his production builds off the end of last season will be notable.

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