Every season, there is a player who, despite not being talked about, ends up having a strong season. Someone who outplays what they were expected to do or comes out of nowhere to be a force on the team's lines. The Red Wings are no different, as they've had plenty of players who have had strong seasons without much fanfare coming into it. 2025-26 seems to be no different, as rookie Emmitt Finnie is set to be a breakout star for the Red Wings.
Finnie was a seventh-round pick of the 2023 NHL draft. He has been described as a player who utilizes his speed to his advantage, getting around defenders or beating opponents to the puck. His offensive game has also made significant strides since he was drafted. In his 115 WHL games since being drafted, he has recorded 56 goals and 87 assists for 143 points.
While he has had a lot of success since being drafted, he has yet to prove he can do it at the professional level. He has only played ten games in the AHL and has appeared in a handful of preseason games. Sure preforming well in the WHL can lead to NHL success, however the pace of play is so much faster it can take time for some players to adjust. However, given Finnie's situation, he should have no problems adjusting.
The Red Wings have put Emmitt Finnie in a position to succeed
Regardless of how you feel, Finnie earned a spot on the Red Wings roster this preseason. In the seven games he appeared in, he registered two goals and two assists, totaling four points. He has also showcased his speed and creativity on the ice and looked significantly better than some of the veterans the Red Wings ran out during the preseason.
The Wings are hoping this strong preseason can continue as they put him on the top line alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Last season, lines that included Larkin and Raymond were among the most offensively efficient for the Red Wings. According to MoneyPuck, these lines had an xGoals percentage of 53.4% and an xGoals per 60 Minutes of 2.98. There was only one line combination that was better in these two categories.
Finnie will fit perfectly on this strong offensive line. Finnie is a pass-first forward who is able to find an open player regardless of the defense the other team is running. With Raymond and Larkin both being scoring first wingers, this sets up Finnine to get a lot of assists. If Finnie can continue to play the way he did in the preseason, he should help the top line be among the best in the league.
If this line preforms the way it's expected to, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Finnine near the top of the NHL assists and points leaders. It's the type of play that could help the Red Wings get over the hump and finally make it back to the playoffs.