Boston College forward Oscar Hemming’s year of drama has concluded with joy as he was drafted 14th by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2026 NHL Draft. 

The Finn spent much of the year in limbo due to contractual disputes between him and his former club, Kiekko-Espoo, that saw him nearly banned from international competition by the IIHF, almost play in the OHL and bordered on games in the BCHL. Hemming ultimately found a home at Boston College in late December, where he was able to play his first games of the year. 

Hemming was fairly impressive for the Eagles given the tumult of his season. He’s a power forward who has plenty of sneaky plays up his sleeve. Hemming possesses a heavy shot and was able to drive play off the bat in the difficult NCAA. At six-foot-five and 205 pounds, Hemming could drive through just about any opponent despite being among the youngest players on the ice and drove play both on special teams and at 5v5. 

Hemming faded down the stretch, however. The creativity vanished and the play-driving disappeared. Still, what he showed early in his time at BC was a glimpse of what he could be if he is able to evolve to his full potential. He’ll return to the Eagles for another season to work on that.