Emil Bemstrom is no stranger to success at the American Hockey League level.
Before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins through trade last February, Bemstrom spent part of his five seasons in the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his annual performance followed a consistent script: AHL advantage but failed to break through the NHL .
During two separate positions with Columbus’ AHL branch in 2022-23 and 23-24, Cleveland Monster, Bemstrom burst into tears, scoring 24 goals with 21 assists in a shared 29 games .
The vast majority of people who spent this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton have seen Nykoping, Sweden, the locals become the team’s leading scorer before recalling Pittsburgh on February 7.
Penguin’s acquisition of Alex Nylander’s Bemstrom on February 22, 2024 is reflected in the year that the Penguin Organization has spent.
“Up and down,” he said. “I want to get up all the time (in the NHL), but I don’t mind going to Wilkes to build my confidence. I feel a lot better now than I used to. It’s fun.
“(Penguins) are a great organization. They really took good care of the players and everything on the ice is top-notch. It’s a good time.”
The Penguin, which Bemstrom debuted last season, ended up not being obvious.
He won a healthy scratch with the same number of times (3) when he flashed through some modest scoring touches (3) and he managed to score a goal, scoring 5 points in 24 games, and an average of only 8 minutes and 47 Seconds of night ice time.
Bemstrom signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 until July 25, before failing to crack Pittsburgh’s NHL roster in October.
After being exempted and liquidated, he accepted a mission to Wilkes Barry/Scranton, where he ruled and was named AHL All-Star before the Penguins called 4 countries.
But Bestrom returned to the AHL after Friday afternoon’s reassignment of Wilkes Barry/Scranton.
However, Penguin Management has put forward new expectations.
“It’s nice that he’s got the chance here,” said Jason Spezza, assistant general manager of the Penguin. “At the AHL level, we know he can score. We know he’s as dangerous as anyone in the power game. But I think with (Bemstrom), it’s about having a B game and making sure when you (at the NHL level) (if you don’t score), you’re doing other things that help win (and allow) the coach to put You put it on the ice.
“I think it’s what we’re trying to help him mature, it’s making sure his B-game looks very close to his A-game, not so much of a difference. He did better so I’m glad to see him get it Reward.”
Penguin assistant coach Mike Vellucci has a similar view on Spezza, but this season agrees with Bemstrom’s free performance on the NHL group.
In two matches, Bemstrom appeared on the left wing of the club’s third row, recording two shots in 12:14 ice time per match.
“I think it’s taking advantage of his speed,” Vellucci said. “He’s a very good skater. Maybe last year, he had too many ideas and he didn’t play fast. This year, he’s been very competitive when he gets up Strength. I think he had a game before the break and we really liked his game.
“He tried to compete and used his own pace to play his strengths. Of course, he had the ability to play at this level. I think if he just kept up, then he could say it.”
At this stage, Bemstrom is a veteran of 230 NHL games and it seems inappropriate to label him as promising prospects.
As far as AHL’s performance is concerned, it’s hard to crave more from Bemstrom, who continues to lead Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with points (21 goals, 24 assists).
Since Bemstrom applies himself to familiar tasks that convert AHL advantages into NHL survivability, he pays more attention to the free elements of his game.
“I think it’s more than before,” Bemstrom said. “Just play confidently and believe that you can play these games in tight areas and get into open areas. … Be strong in front of the net and in the corners – Arrive There and win the battle.”
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