Quick Skate With Emmitt Finnie

Photo Credit: Grand Rapids Griffins/Mark Newman and Nicolas Carrillo

Due to the NHL-CHL transfer agreement, forward Emmitt Finnie spent the 2024-25 season playing for the Kamloops Blazers  (WHL). He led the team in points (84), goals (37), assists (47), and power play assists (25). Finnie did this in 55 games, which means he scored at roughly a 1.53-point-per-game pace. 

On March 24, 2025, the Detroit Red Wings reassigned Finnie to help with the Grand Rapids playoff push. Around three games later, he was settling in and beginning to feel more comfortable at the AHL level.  “I feel like it was a better adjustment than it was last year,” said Finnie. “Just more comfortable with the guys and style of play here in the AHL.” Despite feeling more comfortable, he acknowledged that the game's physicality is something he needs to adjust to better. “The guys are a lot bigger,” said Finnie. “So, I got to get a lot stronger this offseason, and tone in on my wall play before I can play in  this league.”

In 10 games with Grand Rapids, Finnie scored one goal and four assists. Part of this is due to his skating skills. “I think that frees me up a little bit. I’m able to make plays,” said Finnie of his skating. “I feel comfortable when I have speed and time with the puck.”

Finnie is entering the offseason with the same goal he’s had the past few years, “Just get better every day.”

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You can see Emmitt Finnie’s full end of season availability on “Graced By Rain” YouTube channel here.