Red Wings acquire a new top line forward in Nashville: A true steal by Steve Yzerman
Photo credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings organization acquired a new top-line forward in Nashville, and it's turning out to be a true steal by General Manager Steve Yzerman.
Emmitt Finnie, Michael Bransegg-Nygaard, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka all made their NHL debut this year, with one of them having a massive opportunity to succeed.
"Probably exceeded our expectations. All three of them were in Grand Rapids at the end of the year and all did alright based on what we saw. We kind of anticipated them, at that time, starting in Grand Rapids.
But we say it every year: no decision has been made until you come to camp. From Day 1, they started off really good [at the 2025 NHL Prospect Games] and continued that in the scrimmages in Traverse City and the Red & White Game in Grand Rapids, and they all looked good in the preseason games.
We felt that they all earned the opportunity and see if they can sustain it in the regular season, which we expect them to. It was a very pleasant surprise that we weren't necessarily expecting in the offseason."
But we say it every year: no decision has been made until you come to camp. From Day 1, they started off really good [at the 2025 NHL Prospect Games] and continued that in the scrimmages in Traverse City and the Red & White Game in Grand Rapids, and they all looked good in the preseason games.
We felt that they all earned the opportunity and see if they can sustain it in the regular season, which we expect them to. It was a very pleasant surprise that we weren't necessarily expecting in the offseason."
So far, all of them have impressed the Wings organization this season, but all fans can agree that Emmitt Finnie has been great on the team's top line with and Lucas Raymond (now Mason Appleton).
In five games since the season started, Finnie has tallied two points and a +4 plus/minus.
Hot Start For Emmitt Finnie With The Red Wings
Drafted in the seventh round by the Wings in 2023, Finnie caused quite a surprise during training camp, forcing the organization to give him a shot in the NHL. Most players drafted in those rounds don't get such an opportunity at such an early stage in their careers.
In an interview, the player talked about what it truly means to play for a storied franchise like the Red Wings, showing he understands the expectations and what comes with playing for an Original Six organization.
"It's very special, obviously the Winged Wheel is a historic logo and any time you get to wear it, it's very special. I'm super honored to be in this position.
They were a dominant team and had dominant players. It's definitely the expectation for this team, and they've built a legacy around it. We just want to get back to that point."
They were a dominant team and had dominant players. It's definitely the expectation for this team, and they've built a legacy around it. We just want to get back to that point."
Seeing the player respect, acknowledge, and honor the past success of the organization shows that he truly has the Red Wings in his heart.
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