When a seventh-round draft pick—selected 201st overall—makes the NHL after just 13 games in the American Hockey League, he's already beaten the odds. When that player goes on to score 13 goals and tally 30 points in his first full season, he's living a dream. And when he thinks life can't get any better, Team Canada comes calling.

That's exactly the story unfolding for Detroit Red Wings forward Carter Finnie, who has been named to Canada's roster for the World Championships later this month in Switzerland. He'll be joined by Detroit's projected free agent goaltender Cam Talbot on a star-studded Canadian squad that includes Macklin Celebrini, John Tavares, Mark Scheifele, Robert Thomas, Mathew Barzal, Darnell Nurse, and Evan Bouchard. This is a group built to compete for a medal.

Across the Atlantic, the German national team has announced that Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider will train with them to assess his readiness for the tournament, which kicks off next week. Team officials are optimistic enough to already include Seider on their roster.

If you count Talbot—who is unlikely to be re-signed by Detroit—and top prospect Max Plante, and assume Seider will play, the Red Wings could have as many as seven players competing at the World Championships. Lucas Raymond and Albert Johansson will represent Sweden, while Justin Faulk and Plante will suit up for Team USA.

For Finnie, 20, this experience could be a game-changer—especially if Canada makes a deep medal run. The Red Wings are eager to see the smooth-skating forward build on his impressive rookie campaign and boost his scoring touch next season. In a year full of surprises, this might be just the beginning.