Red Wings rookie comments on rough adjustment to NHL level: 'It's been difficult'

Emmitt Finnie was one player we'd never thought would be promoted to the NHL.

Selected 201st overall in the 7th round of the 2023 NHL Draft, his compete level during NHL training camp put him on Todd McLellan's radar, and he earned a spot in the opening night lineup.

The detailed the percentage of 7th rounders who made it to the NHL level (26%), a little over a fourth of all draft picks.

Not great odds, but for Finnie, he's found himself playing alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond this season.

Before being pushed down into the lineup to thrive with Nate Danielson and Mason Appleton on the "Kid Line."

Finnie has scored 9 points (5-4) in 20 games for the Red Wings, not a bad stat line for a rookie.

Being paired with a forward like Danielson, who has been a bright spot for the Red Wings, has been a big factor in Detroit's top of the Atlantic Division placement.

But it's not been a cakewalk for him.

He's been through a bit of a scoring drought with the Red Wings and has had to learn how to adjust.

Finnie elaborated on his transition into the NHL and has been trying to get comfortable.

He feels like the game is starting to slow down after a period of difficulty, of course, having been through a drought.

But the grind of the NHL hasn't worn him down yet, and he's been adjusting to the life of an NHL player. He plays every other day and has been listening to the trainers, eating right, and taking care of his body.

Finnie would go into detail on his struggles with the Detroit Free Press: "It's been difficult".

But not all struggles are forever, as Finnie could end up being a key player in the Red Wings' lineup down the road.

Finnie has shrugged off his slump and is looking ahead to the future with the red-hot Original Six team.