Now that we’ve crossed the midpoint of June, the 2024 NHL Draft will be here before we know it. Building on our recent series of player profiles, let’s keep the good times rolling — now turning to a Finnish forward.
As previously discussed in our Aron Kiviharju article, rankings and scouting impressions vary as the big event draws closer. While some prospects slightly dip in favor, others can become great steals in the same round.
The annual Mayor’s Manor NHL Draft prediction article is still about a week away. Leading into that highly anticipated piece publishing on the site, we’ll try to pack in as many additional profiles as we can until then. First up, let’s look at Emil Hemming. Although we don’t believe he’ll necessarily be in the Kings primary wheelhouse at pick No. 21, the field is fairly wide open after pick No. 14, as LA’s Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti recently discussed on Kings Of The Podcast. Should they trade back, this is a player worth a look… if he’s still there.
Emil Hemming
Vitals
Date of Birth: June 27, 2006
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 194 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward
2023-24 Season
Hemming spent most of the season playing in Finland’s top league, Liiga. In 40 games, he had 11 points (7 G, 4 A).
Otto-matic Connection
Hemming plays for the TPS Turku organization in Liiga. For avid followers, that team should sound familiar, as Kings prospect Otto Salin was traded to the team this year. The two were teammates for the season’s second half.
Gone Global
The native of Vaasa, Finland saw a lot of mileage throughout the season. On top of playing in Liiga, he was part of the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament in August, U20 WJC in December, and U18 WJC in April.
Lady Byng It
Hemming has displayed remarkable discipline in the past seasons. This year, he was penalized only once in 53 appearances (40 in Liiga and 13 in the U20 division).
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No 34 by Dobber Prospects. “Powerful scoring winger with detailed off-puck movement in the offensive zone. Needs to stay engaged and improve his decision-making, but has potential as a second-line sniper.”
Ranked No 19 by Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News. “Hemming is continuing to make a case for himself being a first-round prospect. He has intelligent and projectable play built upon solid tools across the board, a good work ethic and anticipatory play in all three zones.”
Ranked No. 29 by Smaht Scouting. “If the draft was all about raw talent then the big Finnish winger would be in seriously contention to go top 10. Scouts often talk about the “S’s of scouting”… skill, smarts, speed, size and skating. Hemming has them all. He can be a juggernaut even against men in Liiga, able to use his speed, edge-work, pick-handling and size in conjunction to drop a shoulder and get past anyone. Even at 17 years old against men, Hemming has an incredible transition game. His wrist-shot is lethal to boot, and he is able to pick a corner from anywhere on ice. Alongside this he is creative with silky hands, and when he is “on” this combined with a natural swagger and confidence means that he will undress defensemen regularly. While he may not be the most “natural” passer he has good vision as well, and tries to make cross-ice plays that most would never see.”
See For Yourself
Here is video of Hemming playing against Sweden in the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament:
Final Comments
We teased in the beginning about Hemming being ranked higher near the start of the season before falling. While adjustment to higher competition is expected, the Finnish forward tallied 18 points in 13 games in the U20 division of Finland, yet just 11 points in his 40 Liiga outings. Looking at it purely from a numbers perspective, the disparity brings to question if the touted prospect is just benefiting from playing against lower competition. That said, 11 points as a 17-year-old rookie in a men’s league is still respectable.
Once observations come in, however, questions follow. Even on a shift by shift basis, nobody knows what version of Hemming will step on the ice. One moment will reveal a world-beater, willing to charge through the opposition on an end-to-end rush to create a scoring chance. Another will show a low-panic threshold and the puck being dealt to open ice for both teams to play fetch. This behavior is seen at all levels, and it unfortunately cannot be ascribed to playing against adults.
The moments of confidence give flashes of a promising player. For 6-foot-2, Hemming is very mobile in all directions and can hit top speed in a reasonable amount of strides. Gaps in the opposition’s defense gets exploited with very good puck control that can be maintained at high speeds. Though not a bruiser, the physical engagement effectively causes defenders to look over their shoulders and separates puck carriers. While not a one-man show, he tilts the ice in favor of his team.
The biggest constant with this winger is his shot. The combination of size and technique provides a reliable bullet that’s both hard and accurate, making it difficult for goalies to track. Even if there are consistency issues in other aspects of the ice, his cannon has the ability to turn the tide if an opportunity arises.
In regards to Los Angeles, the Kings would benefit from a prospect with multiple tools at his disposal. Consistency is common issue yes, but for the highs and lows with Hemming, it stands out more.
Even if right wings aren’t a top priority for Blake and crew, he’s a legitimate power forward with a right-hand shot that, with some polish, could become a steal who falls to Hollywood in the Draft.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
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