Ridly Greig (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Forward
Neutral Zone NHL’s Donald Godreau, May 2020: Ridly is an impressive two way centre, who might have scored more points in this past year if he wasn’t as discipline as he is in the defensive end. He plays top line minutes, and in every situation for his team. He is an excellent skater, he has a powerful stride and overwhelms opponents with his straight line speed. He is solid on his edges as well, and will show a little deception from time to time when entering the offensive zone by changing his attacking speed, or cutting in sharply if he’s on the boards. He will wait for trailers to try to make plays for them. He shows good vision, and a willingness to seek out teammates first before looking to shoot himself. He has a nice shot. A very quick release, and good accuracy. While he will slow up and be elusive, more often then not, Ridly is making his impact through his effort. He plays hard a long the boards, he releases pucks into good areas and chases pucks down with good speed. He isn’t afraid to be physical, and will win his fair share of puck battles. On the penalty kill he plays with active feet and an active stick. He anticipates opponents well, and when he sees a chance to blow up a play he jumps all over it. He does struggle in the face off circle. Most of his wins tend to be scrambles, or winger wins, very rarely does he win clean draws. His manic pressure combined with his skill set makes Ridly a tantalizing prospect with an ability to play a significant checking role on a pro team. Grade: B
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran, April 2020: Ridly is very difficult to play against. He has a fantastic motor and will not be outworked. Honestly, he’s fun to watch and I can see him being a third rounder who comes to his first NHL training camp with something to prove. He annoys the veterans in inter squad games, gets in a few exhibition games and the next thing you know Ridly’s playing NHL games and annoying the league. He’s smart on the line rush, reads gaps well and knows that he’s most dangerous when the puck is below the dots and he can buzz. I like how he cycles the puck and reads off of his linemates. Ridly has very good feet, agility and edges which allows him to lose larger plodding type defenders to attack the net and when he does Ridly will dig for loose pucks or the goalie’s glove to keep plays alive. Ridly is a spark plug who has an honest to goodness chance to play a meaningful role with an NHL club.
Draft Prospects from different leagues who have Improved their Draft Ratings, March 2020: Ridly is noted as one of 17 draft eligible player who have improved their draft stock as the 2019-20 season has progressed.
February NHL Draft Rankings: Ridly was ranked 82nd and his Neutral Zone NHL Draft grade had improved to a ‘B+’ in our February rankings.
WHL — Brandon Wheat Kings NHL Prospects vs Moose Jaw Warriors, January 2020: (Neutral Zone’s Oliver Gignoux) Greig is a very quick forward who is always moving out there. He is a clever player and can handle the puck exceptionally well. He catches passes in his feet and was able to make smart passes while under duress. He was also effective on the fore-check as he showed the tenacity to hunt pucks, the ability to take good angles, and the will to break up plays with his active stick. Ridly was also noticed on the zone entry with his ability to slow the game down and create space. On one play, he cut across the top of the circles between three opponents and made a nice drop pass to a trailing forward who sniped it past the talented Warriors goalie. While he didn’t make much noise on the power play, he still showed the ability to move pucks quickly and snap a shot on goal with little space. When given time and room, Greig is a real threat. On one play he came in on the zone entry, hesitated by faking a pass, and then tried roofing the puck in tight but the goalie got there in time. He goes low to help in the defensive zone and showed confidence in his game. He also collected a goal in the final seconds of the game by winning a race to the puck with his feet and tapping it into the empty net. Game Grade: B+
WHL – Ranking the 2020 NHL Draft Prospects, October 2019: Ridly was ranked #21 with a ‘C+’ Neutral Zone NHL Draft grade.
Telus Cup (2002s), May 2018: Ridley is an effortless skater, with the ability to go in second gear if needed. He is really patient with the puck with the ability to draw multiple players and make a pass through them. He needs to shoot more as he has a great shot but he looks for his teammates in most cases. He tends to take too many penalties, which costs his team at times. He had a decent week getting 5 assists but has the potential to be even better. He assisted a nice a goal by having 2 players wrapped around him but is able to kick the puck up with his foot to an open teammate.
WHL Cup (2002s), October 2017: An effort based player who plays at high speed and with a physical element seldom seen in a player of his stature. He is a pass first type player which can cost him some prime scoring chances. On the rush, his straight forward speed makes him a menace. Along the boards his agility and strength makes him a real force on the forecheck and a long the boards. Grade: A-