When you think of the Detroit Red Wings prospect pipeline, the organization’s recent first-round picks immediately come to mind. Axel Sandin Pellikka, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Nate Danielson, Sebastian Cossa, and Carter Bear will all have big roles on future Red Wings teams.
There’s also another tier of non-first rounders with plenty of fanfare, such as Dmitri Buchelnikov, Trey Augustine, and Amadeus Lombardi.
Detroit’s prospect depth doesn’t stop there, and that’s what I want to focus on today. There are three prospects that are flying under the radar who, in my opinion, are on their way to becoming NHL contributors.
Related: Red Wings Top 25 Prospects: Post-2025 NHL Draft
Emmitt Finnie
C/LW – 20 years old – 2023 seventh-round pick
Emmitt Finnie has come a long way in two short years. He wrapped up his WHL career in 2024-25 with 84 points in 55 games for the Kamloops Blazers before joining the Grand Rapids Griffins for their last 10 contests. There, he registered five points and also suited up for all three playoff games. He’ll be in Grand Rapids full-time this season, playing mostly a bottom-six role. But don’t let that designation confuse you – Finnie has NHL potential.
The 6-foot-1 forward projects to be a bottom-six checker with some offense at the NHL level. His strong B-game will translate well – he has a high motor and plays with the tenacity needed to wear down opponents. He’ll likely serve as a penalty killer and, when you factor in his ability to play both center and on the wing, you start to see the makings of an NHLer. Think Darren Helm at 90 percent speed.
From what I’ve been told, the Red Wings organization is high on Finnie. He’s a prospect you’ll want to keep tabs on over the next couple years.
Anton Johansson
RD – 21 years old – 2022 fourth-round pick
Griffins coach Dan Watson summed up Anton Johansson’s game well after the young blueliner joined the team following the conclusion of his 2024-25 SHL season:
“His shot is a weapon, but I also think he can skate. He can join the rush a little bit more when he has those opportunities. But he is long, he’s got a good stick, he does have a little snarl to his game at times, which we need. So I think he’s going to be an all-around, 200-foot type defenseman that can provide offense, but also be great…
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