The Detroit Red Wings could have found gold in a rather unusual place. While the club has gradually stockpiled high-end prospects, one could become an unexpected jewel for the club.
Specifically, that prospect could be Emmitt Finnie. This training camp season, Finnie emerged as a viable option for the vacant spot in the Red Wings’ top line. The club desperately needed someone to step in and hang with captain Dylan Larkin and top scorer Lucas Raymond.
The Wings signed veteran James van Riemsdyk this summer to add more scoring punch. But hoping he could step into the top line was a bit of a pipe dream.
That entire equation could now be radically different with Finnie in the mix. The Red Wings drafted the 20-year-old in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He had a stellar season with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL this past season. He scored 37 goals and 84 points in 55 games.
Those numbers landed him a brief look in the AHL. He suited up for 10 games with the Griffins, scoring a goal and five points in 10 games.
Finnie was among the prospects Detroit wanted to get a look at heading into this training camp season. But Finnie ended up making the most of his opportunity. Coach Todd McLellan wanted to see what he could do with Larkin and Raymond.
Thus far, he hasn’t disappointed. Fans could see an unlikely star emerge this season for the Red Wings.
Red Wings Found Talented, Gritty Player in Emmitt Finnie
Emmitt Finnie is that sort of hardworking grinder every team needs in their top six. Sure, there’s the need for speed, playmaking skills, and scoring touch. But Finnie offers something top-six forwards don’t always bring to the table: Grit and checking.
Finnie is the sort of worker bee that teams can always pair with their top scorers. Finnie can dig for pucks, check on the boards, and play well without the puck. He evokes thoughts of players like Michael Bunting. He may not be flashy, but he can complement high-end talent.
Of course, Finnie is an unknown commodity at this time. There’s no telling if he could handle the rigors of a full season on the Red Wings’ top line. But then again, there’s no sense in passing up an opportunity to build the team from the inside out.
The trade market isn’t ripe for a major trade at this point. So, being able to fill a crucial spot from within is a major coup for the Wings.
Finnie Doesn’t Come Without Risk
The biggest risk to Emmitt Finnie’s inclusion into the lineup at this point is his lack of NHL experience. He’s got all of 10 AHL games under his belt. His preseason showing has been solid. However, there’s no guarantee that’s something that will translate to the NHL level.
The Red Wings won’t know what they have in Finnie until they suit him up. But when he regularly faces NHL opponents, the luster may wear off. There’s no telling how well he can cope with tough defensive teams like the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, or Tampa Bay Lightning.
Perhaps he exceeds expectations. But that’s something the Red Wings will need to commit to this season. If they remain patient with Finnie, the payoff could be substantial down the line.
Red Wings Could Have Found Gold in Unexpected Rookie