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Fantasy Summary

Hard-working speedster who can make plays or score and loves to push the pace. If he gets stronger and heavier as well as improving his commitment to defense, he could become a solid, contributing middle-six NHLer.


Observations

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December 2023 – Finley will flank fellow Islanders draft pick, Danny Nelson, on the left side of the fourth line on USA’s 2024 World Junior roster. The former 2022 third round pick have five goals and two assists during his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin. James Iacovone

February 2023 – Finley is more of a long-term project but ,as he is committed to playing college hockey next season for the University of Wisconsin, that shouldn’t be a problem for the Islanders’ brass. His best asset is his shot and his scoring this season seems to have caught up with the talent level. He’s probably a long shot to play in the top six at the NHL level, but he very well could be a third-line goal scorer who gets some time on the power play. Graham Montgomery

July 2022 – The speedy winger would have posted better stats and might have gone higher than 79th overall had he not suffered a broken collarbone in November, which sidelined him for almost three months in his draft year. Once he regained game shape, he displayed his skill at playmaking and scoring. And, of course, his superior skating that allows him to elude would-be checkers and to forecheck effectively. After a 12-goal, 39-point second USHL schedule, he added five goals and five assists in 14 post-season appearances. He was the first player taken in 2020’s USHL futures draft. Also of interest to scouts: Finley was once named USHL forward of the week. He is, however, hardly a finished product. He must be more consistent defensively and also needs to add strength and weight, common issues for players his age (just 17). Getting stronger would help him to win more puck battles. He should learn a lot by playing for the U of Wisconsin. Mark Allan

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 5.5
NHL Certainty 6.5
Country USA
Position LW
Roster Type Junior
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth August 4, 2004
Height 6‘0”
Weight 170 lbs
Drafted 2022 Round 3; Overall: 79

Stats

 Season Team League GP G A TP PIM      Playoffs GP G A TP PIM 
 2017-2018 Green Bay Jr. Gamblers 13U AAA13U AAA- - -- -|        
 2018-2019 MN Wisconsin 15U AAAMNBEL 14U14 4 37 -|        
  Green Bay Jr. Gamblers 14U AAA14U AAA- - -- -|        
 2019-2020 Team Grey USA-S154 0 11 2|        
  MN Wisconsin 15U AAAMNBEL 14U15 16 1935 -|        
  Green Bay Jr. Gamblers 15U AAA15U AAA- - -- -|        
 2020-2021 Chicago SteelUSHL39 1 56 8|        
 2021-2022 Team Grey USA-S174 1 45 0|        
  Madison CapitolsUSHL39 12 1729 16|Playoffs14 5 510
  USA U18Hlinka Gretzky Cup4 0 33 2|        
 2022-2023 Madison CapitolsUSHL23 10 1727 12|        
  USA U19WJAC-196 2 46 6|        
  Chicago SteelUSHL32 15 2338 14|Playoffs6 2 24
 2023-2024 Univ. of WisconsinNCAA36 10 616 16|        
  USA U20WJC-207 1 12 0|        
 2024-2025 Univ. of WisconsinNCAA16 11 920 6|        

Highlights