Why it’s smart for Emil Hemming to play in the OHL next season

The Dallas Stars expanded their Finnish Mafia by drafting Emil Hemming in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Some fans were surprised when his name was called instead of EJ Emery, who went to them in the lower first round. While Hemming is an excellent hockey player, fans thought the Stars would improve their defense. Hemming would return to his Finnish club TPS Turku before the Barrie Colts signed him to an OHL Education & Development Agreement.

If he had gone back to his junior club, Hemming would most likely be playing fourth-line minutes like he did last season. That would be a big disadvantage to his development and he would probably come to North America, where he needs more work. Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill probably discussed this with Hemming and he signed with the Colts. Let’s take a look at why this will help Hemming develop faster and make it to the NHL.

The Hockey Writers pre-draft report stated that Hemming needs to improve his consistency. The young wing has struggled to play his best on the ice, which is common for younger players as they develop. I also don’t think playing on the fourth line most of the time in Finland last year did him any good. He’ll likely get more minutes with the Barrie Colts and learn how to play more minutes.

On the defensive end, he tends to look at the puck too much. Another thing he needs to work on is staying in his spot on defense. He doesn’t like to cover open space, and that’s another thing he can work on with the Barrie Colts. We don’t need a junior version of Ryan Suter. No offense to his junior club, but the Barrie Colts have the coaches and resources that will help him develop faster. Wyatt Johnston developed quickly in the OHL and didn’t need time in Cedar Park.

In conclusion, Hemming playing with the Colts will develop him and get him to the NHL quicker. I don’t know if he has the talent to go straight from the OHL to the NHL. He could use a year or two in the AHL. Hemming could be one of the next great wings in Stars history. The fanbase needs to let him develop in the OHL this season. We’ll keep you posted on how he does this upcoming season.