The hulking defenseman Finley (6'8' 249 lbs) played a little more than a handful of games last season and barely made an impact on the score sheet. He is likely to be the odd man out much more often than not and only get playing time when the team feels they need some additional toughness in the defensive zone.
Finley will once again ply his trade with AHL Rochester this season after signing with the Sabres in December of 2011. The former first-round pick hasn't panned out as an NHL defenseman, but can build on the five games he saw with the big club last season. He'll provide toughness and depth on the back end for Rochester where he put up six points and 143 penalty minutes in 57 games a season earlier.
Finley, who stands at a mammoth 6-foot-8, is a blue liner who is nicknamed “Mean Joe.” The behemoth from Minnesota is an intimidator, who surprisingly skates well. He has tremendous focus and work ethic and has steadily improved his overall game, mainly his skating and puck handling. He is going to need a few years to grow into his frame but this kid could be very good. Remember the name “Mean Joe Finley”, as it looks like we will see him in the NHL sometime in the future.
The behemoth from Minnesota, Finley who stands 6-7, is an intimidator, who surprisingly skates well, is very agile, and has a heavy shot. He has tremendous focus and work ethic and has steadily improved his overall game, mainly his skating and puck handling. He is going to need some time to grow into his frame but this kid could be very good. He will be with AHL Hershey to start the season. Remember the name “Mean Joe Finley”, as it looks like we will see him in the NHL sometime in the future.
Finley, who stands at a mammoth 6-foot-7, is a blue liner who is nicknamed “Mean Joe.” The behemoth from Minnesota is an intimidator, who surprisingly skates well, is very agile, and has a heavy shot. He has tremendous focus and work ethic and has steadily improved his overall game, mainly his skating and puck handling. He is going to need some time to grow into his frame but this kid could be very good. Remember the name “Mean Joe Finley”, as it looks like we will see him in the NHL sometime in the future
The 6-foot-7, 240-lb. stay-at-home defenseman had seven points in 41 games for the University of North Dakota, and won't make it to the NHL this season.
After being drafted in the first round by the Caps in 2005, the hulking (6-foot-7, 240-lb) Finley only put up three points in 42 games for the University of North Dakota. The 19-year-old will continue to play in the NCAA this season.
Finley, a 6-foot-7 229-lb. defenseman, was the second selection of the Capitals in the first round of the 2005 draft. The Minnesotan is only 18, but still led USHL Sioux Falls with 181 penalty minutes in only 55 games, to go along with 13 points. He should continue along the junior track but keep an eye on him in deep keeper leagues.
Finley is a fantastic prospect for an 18-year-old who is already 6'7" and 240 lbs. He has great hands and quick feet for his size, and eats up what his coaches tell him. He picked up three goals and 18 points to go along with 181 penalty minutes in 55 USHL games in 2004-2005. He is going to further his trade at the University of North Dakota in 2005-2006.
