The arena buzzed with anticipation as the Columbus Blue Jackets announced their 14th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting forward Oscar Hemming from Boston College.
A Legacy of Development
Hemming, a native of Vaasa, Finland, brings a blend of size, skill, and hockey IQ that caught the eye of scouts throughout the draft cycle. He honed his game with Kiekko-Espoo in the Liiga before making the move to North America.
During the 2025‑26 season he contributed 19 goals and 45 points in 19 games for the Eagles, highlighted by a game‑winning goal against Merrimack that secured a 4‑2 victory.
His collegiate debut came midway through the campaign, and he quickly proved his worth by delivering a clutch performance that underscored his ability to thrive under pressure.
Before arriving in the United States, Hemming had already made a name for himself in the OHL, being selected in the first round of the 2025 Import Draft by the Kitchener Rangers and representing Finland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he posted six points in five games.
The pick also extends a remarkable streak for Boston College, which has now seen a player drafted in each of the past 31 years — the longest such run in college hockey history — reaffirming the program’s reputation as a talent pipeline.
With the Blue Jackets’ development staff eager to integrate his European experience and collegiate readiness, Hemming is poised to become a key contributor as the franchise looks to build on recent successes.