NHL Draft Profile- Emil Hemming

The 2024 NHL Draft will be here before you know it, and Draft 412 will preview some of the prospects who will be probable first round picks. Draft 412 will review the strengths and weaknesses of each prospect, and where they should land in the NHL Draft.

Name- Emil Hemming

Pos- C

Team- TPS (Finland)

HT/WT- 6’1” 201 lbs

Born- 6/27/2006

Home – Vaasa, Finland

Emil Hemming was born in Vaasa, Finland and played amateur hockey for Kiekko-Espoo of the U20 SM-sarja league. He only played 2 games in his age 15 season and had 1 assist.

In 2022-2023 he played for HC TPS of the U20 SM-sarja league. In 22 games he tallied 7 goals and 9 assists.

In 2023-2024, Hemming started the season with HC TPS and scored 11 goals and 7 assists in 13 games. After his quick start, he was promoted to the top league to play in the SM-liiga. He played 40 games and recorded 7 goals and 4 assists. He also represented Team Finland at the 2024 World Junior Championships, Hemming had 2 assists and averaged 8:45 minutes of playing time through 7 games.

Emil Hemming has a quick trigger and is able to get his shot on net even when defenders are on top of him. He has an excellent one-timer with power and accuracy. On the power play his one-timer has been a weapon and teams have used him at the point even though he isn't a defenseman. His skating ability is extraordinary and he can reach full speed instantly using powerful strides. He is very agile and can stop on a dime. Hemming gets around the ice and is impressive in his ability to get in and out of areas using his edge work which makes him tough to defend.

Strengths

• Hard One-Timer
• Elite Skater
• Shot Accuracy
• Quick Release

Hemming however has trouble with consistency and there are times during the game he is non-existent. When things go poorly for Hemming he lets it effect his overall play and his work ethic. He is a very confident player, but lets his confidence get the best of him. Hemming will try skating through the defense instead of making the simple and conservative play, which lead to turnovers and odd-man rushes the other way. 

Hemming's lack of work ethic is apparent in the defensive zone where he tends to be looking for the big play and tries to spring up ice before the puck is fully secured. He does not use his frame to help with board battles and does not play a physical brand of hockey.

Weaknesses

• Physicality
• Turnovers
• Defensive Zone
• Work Ethic

Emil Hemming has an elite shot and has exceptional skating ability. On the downside however, he does not play hard at all times and disappears too often from games. His shooting and skating ability will make him a mid-to-late first round select and if his new team is patient, Hemming could be a steal if he works on his overall game.

Draft Nation Draft Projection- Mid-Late First Round Pick