The 29th overall pick in this year’s draft netted seven goals and four assists, totaling 11 points, in his debut season with TPS in the Finnish men’s league. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, Hemming isn’t particularly “physical,” but his dependable defensive play made him an appealing pick in this year’s draft.
“Hemming has the ability to get creative on offense, but I see him as a future bottom-six forward who can outmuscle opponents while maintaining discipline and working hard throughout the game,” wrote Steven Ellis, a prospect analyst for Daily Faceoff, in his final NHL Draft Rankings. “If he improves his skating, I could see Hemming taking on a more significant role in the NHL, but at the very least, he works hard enough to secure a spot lower down the lineup.”
The Stars will keep a watch on Hemming during the 2024-25 season to see whether his offensive game starts to improve. He played on Finland’s fourth line at the World Junior Championship last year, and his position should grow as he is expected to return to the squad in 2025.
The Stars finished the 2023-24 season with a 52-21-9 record and 113 points, leading both the Central Division and the Western Conference. The squad advanced to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in six games.
Forward Jason Robertson led the squad in scoring with 80 points (29 goals, 51 assists), followed by Joe Pavelski with 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists).
