#7: Emil Bemström
Voting
7th out of 34 eligible players
Writers’ Vote: 7th
Readers’ Vote: 7th
Highest Placement: 3rd (3 votes)
Most Common Placement: 5th (21 votes)
Biography
Birthdate: June 1, 1999
Birthplace: Nyköping, Sweden
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 181 lbs
Position: Right Wing
Acquired: Signed three-year entry level contract with CBJ in May 2019.
2018-19 Season
A rising star in Sweden and leading scorer in the SHL last season with 23 goals in 47 games, Bemström’s reputation as a prospect is already preceding his NHL debut. A swift and sure skater, combined with his accurate, hard-to-defend shot, characterizes Bemström as a true threat in any offensive situation.
“He’s going to get a great opportunity here to not only play but play a big role and be a goal scorer on this level that he was in the Swedish League,” Jarmo Kekalainen said in June.
2019-20 Forecast
While still having to prove himself worthy of a spot on the Blue Jackets’ front lines, he couldn’t be coming to the team at a better time. The mass exodus of scorers Artemi Panarin, Ryan Dzingel, and Matt Duchene will leave gaping holes that a talented young player like Bemström can step up and help fill.
Worst case scenario, Bemström doesn’t produce and ends up in the AHL for a bit. However, I know I’m not alone in having my fingers crossed that he brings his demonstrated self-assured style of play to Columbus and becomes an immediate difference-maker for the team.