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.

The Detroit Red Wings have been impressed with several young players in training camp, but one has stood above the rest.