Oscar Hemming game breakdown
I combed through video and tracked data from Hemming's January 23rd performance against New Hampshire.
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Oscar Hemming is a name you’re going to hear a lot of leading up to the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
He’s a modern-day power winger with a heavy shot who is widely expected to go in the range the New Jersey Devils are scheduled to pick.
While he didn’t post guady totals in the NCAA, he was a 17-year-old who missed a healthy chunk of the year due to contract dispute overseas.
He committed to the Kitchener Rangers, who just so happen to hold a 3-0 series lead over Hemming’s older brother, Emil, in the OHL finals, but was not able given permission to go. Thus, he had to take the college route.
Hemming sits 15th in EliteProspects’ consolidated rankings, and TSN’s Craig Button had Hemming going to the Devils in his latest mock draft.
Let’s dig into some takeaways, and numbers, from Hemming’s January 23rd performance against UNH. Special thanks to ProspectShifts for the video.
The good
Osacar doesn’t possess the lightning-quick, clean release that Emil does but it is certainly powerful. He showcased his heavy shot and ability to challenge goaltenders from range, finding space high in the offensive zone and walking into one.
Hemming impressed me with his work away from the puck and his engagement in all three zones. It was noticeable early, with Hemming challenging a UNH forward and driving him into help at the top of the defensive zone. Hemming continued to pursue the puck, knocked a man down, and allowed his team to regain possession.
Here is another example of Hemming’s compete level. He loses a puck in the offensive zone but does not give up on the play, hunting the defenseman down from behind and getting possession right back.
Another example of Hemming contributing in all zones. Hemming gets to the boards to give an outlet to his defenseman and shows good hands, making a clean one-touch pass to hit a teammate in stride. This resulted in a clean exit out of the defensive zone.
