By Giles Ferrell -
Jordan Greenway
Left Wing
6-foot-6
226 pounds
Born: February 16, 1997
2016-17 Team: Boston University
How Acquired: 2015 Draft (2nd round, 50th overall)
With one of their rare second-round picks of the Chuck Fletcher era, Minnesota used their pick in 2015 to select big Jordan Greenway from the US Development Team. At the time, Greenway was considered to be "a boom or bust" pick.
More from Future Considerations on Greenway's abilities, at the time of the draft:
"Greenway is a physically mature playmaking winger. This Boston University commit possesses a long, powerful stride as he powers his way up ice; however, he tends to slow down in possession. He protects the puck on the wall like a beast, thanks to his large frame, and can hold his ground in front of the net without being pushed around. Needs to be careful he doesn’t become a gentle giant on the wall as he can be most effective using his size for the better to knock opponents off the puck–too often he will let up though. He shows off a heavy shot and has the sense to set up in shooting position off the face-off. He has a good hard wrister, but also shows the ability to score in many different ways. He is strong around the net and quick to put home feeds in front. He forechecks hard, back checks, and offers good support in the defensive zone, knowing his responsibilities."
After being drafted, Greenway left the US U-18 development team to go play for Boston University. In his first season with the Terriers (2015-16), Greenway was a mainstay in the top six but only managed to produce five goals. He did tally 21 assists in the 39 games and made big improvements as the season went on. As noted in a March 2016 Boston Globe story, Greenway received high praise for his skill and improvements in his game from his head coach David Quinn and his teammates.
"Once in the offensive zone, where he can dominate around the net with his size, Greenway’s athleticism is obvious and even somewhat alarming. For such a big guy, he is nimble and quick, showing the dexterity and stick skill more typical of smaller, more compact wingers.
'Usually guys that size, you think, ‘Oh, boy, wait until his coordination catches up with his size, he’ll be a great player,’ ’’ said Quinn. “Well, he’s already got it. The physical tools are all there.'" - Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe
The following season, Greenway emerged even more for the Terriers. He doubled his goal total from the year before (10), and produced 21 assists which ended up being tied for third on the team. But his claim to fame last year came during the World Junior Tournament, when Greenway and other Wild prospects (Joel Eriksson-Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, Luke Kunin) stood out for their respective countries. Greenway tallied eight points (three goals, five assists) in seven games for team USA, and was a dominant force that the opposition had problems stopping. Greenway finished tied for second on Team USA in points, and helped them win the gold medal for the first time since 2013.
Greenway scores an OT goal for Boston U. on 3/11/17
Greenway scores an OT goal for Boston U. on 3/11/17After his season with Boston University ended, Greenway went to play with Team USA again, representing his country in the World Championships. It was not an overly memorable tournament for the power forward, as he went without a point in eight games.
It was expected that Greenway would turn pro during the summer, and join the Iowa Wild to at least begin the 2017-18 season. But with the thought of getting a shot with Team USA in the 2018 Olympics "lingering in his mind", Greenway opted to return to Boston University for one more season.
While the Olympics are on his mind, Greenway has his sights set on winning with the Terriers as well, as he said at Wild Prospect Camp in July (via the Star Tribune), "I still want to do more things at BU. I haven’t had a lot of success there when it comes to winning championships. We’ve been in the tournament both my freshman and sophomore year, [but we] still haven’t been to the Frozen Four, haven’t won a Beanpot.”
So while Wild fans wait for Greenway to sign that pro contract next summer, look for him to do big things with Boston University and, perhaps, Team USA this winter.
Check back on Monday to see who comes in at No. 5!
Previous posts:
No. 7-Mike Reilly
No. 8-Gustav Olofsson
No. 9-Kaapo Kahkonen
No. 10-Dmitry Sokolov
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