One of the stars of the preseason for the Detriot Red Wings was Emmitt Finnie. In seven games he racked up two goals and two assists for four points. This performance was good enough not just to make the Red Wings roster, but to earn a spot on the top line. This caused a lot of excitement among fans about a potential break out season from the former seventh round pick.
But just six games into the season, he has surpassed everyone wildest expectation. He has registered two goals and three assists for five points. Not only is he making an impact on offense but on defense too.
He's delievered 21 hits as well as seven takeaways. It's hard to argue that anyone on the Wings has been a better all around player. It could be the piece that helps them get over the hump.
Emmitt Finnie is what the Red Wings have been missing
While Finnie had played well in every game this season, Sunday's matchup against the Oilers put him in the national spotlight. He found the back of the net twice and was credited with an assist on Dylan Larkin's second goal of the night. He also delivered four hits, which was second most on the team, and notched a takeaway. It's safe to say that without the contributions of Finnie, the Wings would not have won.
When you watch Finnie play, it's easy to forget he's a rookie. He plays with a confidence of an established veteran. He is not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the puck or gain the advatnage. This is the type of energy that good teams have. It's also a style of play that's infectious. It gives the team life and pushes other players on the team to provide the same effort. Thus improving the team's overall play.
This impact can be seen in the way his lines has been preforming. He's spent most of his time playing with Larkin and a combination of Lucas Raymond and Mason Appleton. These lines have combined for seven goals and only allowed one. The metrics are also impressive. According to Money Puck, they have a xGoals percentage of 40.5% and a xGoals For Per 60 Minutes of 2.575. This line is a large reason why the Red Wings are currently sitting a top of the Atlantic Division.
If Finnie keeps up his level of play for the entire season, it could be what gets the Wings over the hump. One of the biggest complaints fans and analysts have had is that the prospects did not make an imminent impact at the NHL level.
It's a big reason why the "Yzerplan" has been considered a failure by some. But Finnie can be the prospect that ends that narrative. With his play so far, he looks to be one of the few prospects that is going to breakout and bring Detroit back to the playoffs.
Although it's early, Finnie has the making of an important piece for the Wings. He could become one of the key players in the Red Wings next core.