Emmitt Finnie’s readiness for the NHL may stem from the reality that nothing came easy for him when his journey began. “He’s a seventh-round pick and here’s what happens,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan said.

DETROIT – Emmitt Finnie lined up for the opening faceoff Sunday opposite a pair of Hall-of-Famers and then proceeded to show why the Detroit Red Wings kept the 20-year-old former seventh-round draft pick on their season-opening roster.

One of Detroit's top prospects struggles as the Red Wings dominate. Can he break out, or is this a sign of things to come for the surprising NHL contenders?

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Emmitt Finnie for fantasy hockey. Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie scored his first two career

Whether it’s a star player’s resurgence or the early signs of a troubling trend, there's plenty to take away from a team’s first few games.

With top-line minutes alongside Detroit’s stars, this rookie is capitalizing on an ideal situation while other Calder contenders face challenges, putting him firmly in the conversation for rookie of the year.