Red Wings Prospect Embracing Leadership Role

Entering his fourth season with the WHL Kamloops Blazers, Detroit Red Wings prospect Emmitt Finnie knew that leadership would be a key element of his role for the team.

When the captain’s C was fastened to his jersey, it was only serving to fortify that notion. And to perhaps again emphasize that the Red Wings may have landed themselves a real sleeper when they were choosing Finnie 201st overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL entry draft.

“Me being an older guy, we got younger guys who haven’t seen much in this league, so I’m just trying to help them out as much as I can,” Finnie explained to Castanet.net about how he sees his responsibility as team captain of the Blazers.

Emmitt Finnie just continues to amaze us each and every game ⭐️@BlazerHockey | @DetroitRedWings | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/vfcHoqITg4

— The WHL (@TheWHL) November 24, 2024

Former NHL coach Don Hay is serving as associate coach of the Blazers. He really admires the qualities he sees in Finnie, both as a player and a person.

“He’s a real competitive young man,” Hay said. “We think that he’ll really help the younger players understand what the culture of the Kamloops Blazers is all about. He’s been here the longest, he’s watched other players lead, older players when he was younger.

“He is always gauging, taking the best of what they’ve done as far as leadership is concerned and trying to help you lead in your own way.”

Already with his name on a Red Wings contract, Finnie had a brief fling late last season with the AHL Grand Rapids Giffins, getting into three AHL games.

Two More Points For Buchelnikov

It wasn’t a great day for his team. However, it was another solid outing for Dmitri Buchelnikov (52nd overall, 2022 NHL entry draft). His club Vityaz was squandering a 4-1 lead in losing 5-4 in overtime to Spartak.

You don't see progression like this every day, Buchelnikov has been great in the KHL this season.

I don't know what his contract situation is like but if I'm Detroit, I want him here as soon as possible.#LGRW https://t.co/MEcGCDxhTh pic.twitter.com/8gp2iXFFCy

— Nick (@nickthehabsfan) November 23, 2024

However, left-winger Buchelnikov was dishing out a pair of assists. With 28 points (8-20-28), the Red Wings prospect is sitting tied for second in the KHL scoring race. He’s three points off the lead.

Milestone For Ex-Red Wings D Marchenko

Still with the KHL, Alexey Marchenko of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl was recently playing his 500th league game.

Marchenko, 32, played 110 games for the Red Wings from 2013-17. He would also suit up 104 times for the Griffins during that span.