Red Wings prospect and forward Emmitt Finnie doesn’t get a lot of press as he was the 201st overall draft pick in 2023, but the 6’1,” 203-pound winger has earned oodles of praise from Red Wings director of player development Dan Cleary for his professionalism and talent.
Finnie was the captain of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers last season, and he he posted 37 goals and 47 assists for 84 points in only 55 games. Then he headed to Grand Rapids, posting a goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 10 regular-season games, and he played in the Griffins’ 3-game playoff series against Texas as well.
Today, the Hockey News’s Jake Tye offers more praise for Finnie from Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson:
“I think Emmitt Finnie is a guy, he’s a seventh round pick, but every time I see him, he continually gets better and better, he gets bigger, he gets stronger,” Watson explained “[Finnie] had a great Western Hockey League career, stepped in two years ago with us and played three games and wasn’t expected to play any games but did quite well during his playing time.”
Finnie, 20, has played a limited number of games with the Griffins over the past two seasons but has made the most of his opportunities, recording a goal and four assists for five points in 13 appearances. He spent his junior career in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers, showing steady development from a slow start in his rookie year, when he couldn’t find the back of the net but recorded six assists through his first 48 games.
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Watson noted that Finnie has been used in multiple roles and with versatility, that could open the door to more opportunities higher in the lineup. He added that he’s eager to see how the hardworking Finnie has developed over the offseason as he prepares for his first full season under Watson’s guidance.
“He adds the ability to skate and play both wing and center so I’m excited to see how his summer went and to see what he looks like,” Watson commented “[Finnie] puts in the work he’s driven to get better and so I’m really looking forward to see what he has this year.”
Continued; Finnie definitely has to battle both the odds and the fact that he’s not the biggest fellow by today’s NHL standards, but if he continues to improve his skating and consistency, he’s going to be one of those players who “comes out of nowhere” and succeeds because of his brains and guts.
When he was drafted he was well under 200 lbs. and put up big numbers. Now he is 6’1 in and 203 lbs. with a big motor. I see him as a budding sleeper with a sneeky upside. GR is going to be very appreciative.
I think he was about 170 when drafted. He’s put on the muscle!