The conversation originally began with the subject matter being Detroit Red Wings rookie forwards Nate Danielson and Emmitt Finnie.
Soon, names like Adam Graves and Martin Gelinas were entering the chat. In the fertile minds of those familiar with the history of this grand game, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and even Charlie Conacher and “Gentleman” Joe Primeau were coming to mind.
Great Kid Lines of the past.
Will Danielson and Finnie help the Red Wings win a Stanley Cup the way Graves, Gelinas, and Joe Murphy did with the 1989-90 Edmonton Oilers, or like Perry, Getzlaf, and Dustin Penner accomplished with the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks?
Will they one day dominate the NHL in the manner that the original Kid Line, Toronto’s trio of Conacher, Primeau, and Busher Jackson did for much of the 1930s?
ICYMI: it was the rookie show at LCA last night including Emmitt Finnie’s first goal in 11 games. The kids are alright!! @DetroitRedWings @FanDuelSN_DET #LGRW pic.twitter.com/ygj4tUQDNb
— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) November 19, 2025
Who knows? What we do know is that Finnie and Danielson are doing just fine for the Red Wings at this very moment.
During Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, Danielson scored his first NHL goal. He also drew an assist on a goal by Finnie, setting it up with a sweet cross-crease pass.
“We thought that they would complement each other,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “And for one, two periods in one night, they did a real good job.”
Red Wings Finnie, Danielson Display Cohesiveness
McLellan was anticipating that Danielson and Finnie would be able to make an impact in tandem.
“Both are fairly smart players,” McLellan said. “One (Finnie) plays real fast. The other (Danielson) plays a little bit more of a mind game.
“So I think they can complement and continue to play with each other and be successful.”
Beauty. pic.twitter.com/vYLnWtJGhG
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 19, 2025
Finnie is 20 and Danielson is 21, but McLellan isn’t concerned about the numbers on their birth certificate. He’s more impressed by what they can add up to on the ice together.
“You gotta see them for the player they are,” McLellan said. “Just because you’re 27 or 28 years old, that doesn’t mean you’re the go-to guy. There may be a 22-year-old who’s playing better or gives the team more.
“So I don’t know if age is a good barrier anymore. Just take a look at the player and see what you have.”
Considering the long-held policy of the Red Wings to leave young players on the farm to ripen on the vine, it’s refreshing to hear from someone willing to give those kids a chance.