What's Happening?
The Dallas Stars have drafted Emil Hemming, a 19-year-old forward from Vaasa, Finland, with their No. 29 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Hemming is expected to join the Stars' group of Finnish players, affectionately known as the 'Finnish Mafia.' Hemming has shown promise with 48 points in 60 games with Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League last season and contributed to Finland's silver medal in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Stars have a history of drafting Finnish players, including Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, and Esa Lindell, who are now key members of the team. Hemming is training with Mikko Rantanen, another Finnish player acquired by the Stars, to improve his skills and adapt to the North American style of play.
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Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Emil Hemming in the Dallas Stars roster highlights the team's strategic focus on Finnish players, which has been successful in the past. This approach could strengthen the team's performance and cohesion, given the existing Finnish players' contributions. Hemming's development and integration into the team could enhance the Stars' offensive capabilities, potentially leading to better results in upcoming seasons. The move also underscores the importance of international talent in the NHL, as teams increasingly look beyond North America for skilled players.
What's Next?
Hemming will continue to train and develop his skills, focusing on shooting and skating. The Dallas Stars are not rushing his transition to the NHL, allowing him time to adapt and improve. The team's management will monitor his progress closely, with the potential for Hemming to join the NHL roster if he meets the necessary development milestones. His performance in training and future games will determine his readiness for the NHL.
