Emil Bemstrom might be turning corner in NHL career

Oct 24, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Emil Bemstrom (52) scores a goal during the first period of the NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at Nationwide Arena.

Emil Bemstrom, the former Swedish Hockey League goal-scoring phenom, has come a long way since his rookie days with the Blue Jackets. It feels like it’s been much longer than five years, but a lot has happened during that time.

The world was put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the NHL was no exception. Bemstrom’s rookie season was disrupted and restarted four months later due to the pandemic. Since then, the Blue Jackets have struggled to make it to the postseason, and their roster has undergone significant changes with the departure of key players.

In addition, the Blue Jackets have seen the departure of three head coaches, including John Tortorella, Brad Larsen, and Mike Babcock. Despite all these changes, one thing remains the same: Bemstrom’s failure to live up to the hype. His goal-scoring abilities, which were highly praised in Sweden, have only shown flashes of brilliance in the NHL.

However, Bemstrom hasn’t given up on becoming the player the Blue Jackets had hoped for back in 2019. This season, he arrived at training camp with a renewed motivation to secure his spot in the NHL roster. He has earned a more prominent role in the team’s regular lineup and has already scored three goals, all on power plays, in just six games.

Bemstrom’s importance to the team’s power play has grown even more in the absence of injured star Patrik Laine. With his powerful right-handed shot, Bemstrom has proven to be a dangerous scoring threat from the left faceoff circle.

His recent performances have been impressive, with goals scored from scorching one-timers and well-executed passes. If Bemstrom can continue playing this way, it could significantly improve the Blue Jackets’ chances of bouncing back from their last-place finish in the Metropolitan Division last season.

The team is waiting for stars like Laine, Johnny Gaudreau, and Zach Werenski to find their stride, but players like Bemstrom and Jack Roslovic stepping up can be the unexpected catalyst for success. However, consistency has been Bemstrom’s biggest challenge since joining the NHL, and it remains to be seen if he can maintain this level of performance.

Regardless, the emergence of Bemstrom during this crucial time in his career is a promising sign for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Oct 20, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Emil Bemstrom (52) gets hit into Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) by defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets on 3-1.

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.