The search for LA’s next top pick continues. Director of Scouting Mark Yannetti and crew continue their journey through data and debate to narrow down their list. The prospects, too, have their own story, and when writing these previews, information is hard to come by. Others, especially when there are some ties to the Kings organization, make the dive more fun.
Oscar Hemming
Vitals
Date of Birth: August 13, 2008
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 198 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Forward
2025-26 Season
Hemming spent the 2025-26 season with the NCAA’s Boston College. In 19 games, he had 8 points (1 G, 7 A).
De-Rangered
The brother of Emil Hemming, Dallas’ first-round pick of 2024, was initially selected by the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. His plans to compete in North America were blocked when his Liiga team, Kiekko-Espoo, refused to grant his transfer. As a result, his season start was delayed.
The funny part is had he been allowed to cross over, he would have joined the OHL and Memorial Cup champs Kitchener, becoming a teammate of Los Angeles prospect Jared Woolley.
An even further coincidence is that in the OHL playoffs, Kitchener eliminated his brother’s team in the final.
The Bad Breakup
If the team name Kiekko-Espoo sounds familiar, congratulations on being a Mayor’s Manor savant. Kings goaltending prospect Petteri Rimpinen was their starter this season. Another option, and loophole, came up when Hemming decided to play college hockey, as they aren’t bound by a transfer agreement. This allowed the young forward to play in North America, although his tactics and decision didn’t impress Team Finland. They ended up leaving him off of the U18 WJC roster.
The Eager Eaglet
Hemming joining the NCAA made him the youngest player in college hockey this season. His adventure this season started late, as he joined the Boston College Eagles to first take the ice on December 28.
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
No. 18 by Elite Prospects. “Hemming’s first two NCAA weekends made us believe he could become one of the draft’s top prospects, dominating despite being the youngest player in college hockey.
Hemming protected the puck, cycled it to space, rammed through defences coming off the wall and off the rush, split defenders and drove the net, hit opponents, and connected passing plays. Despite not playing for months, the faster paced and structured NCAA play didn’t seem like much of a challenge, as he managed to rotate to the right spots and stay connected with teammates.
He was more than a complementary player, driving the play in some shifts and orchestrating the power play, prioritizing his heavy shot, but also sending deceptive back-door passes. Anticipating the flow of the play, he always seemed to slip in pockets of space to give outlets to teammates and fire off passes.”
No. 17 by Tony Ferrari, “He came out of the gates hot with Boston College, showcasing his excellent speed and physicality. He has a very good shot, although he leaned into his playmaking when he arrived at BC.
His production did slow down toward the end of the season, going scoreless in BC’s final seven games, but his motor and physical play rarely wavered.”
No. 15 by McKeen’s Hockey, “He is probably the most likely Finnish player to rise up the draft boards throughout the year. At 6-foot-4, he blends pro-ready size with a goal scorer’s touch and natural instincts around the net. While his skating remains a work in progress, he finds space with smart routes and capitalizes with a quick, deceptive release. He’ll need to prove he can generate against stiffer competition and tighter checking in the U20 this season but expect him to be the go-to option on the power play and in key offensive moments at the Hlinka Gretzky.”
See For Yourself
Video of Hemming vs. University of New Hampshire in the NCAA:
Final Comments
Hemming’s great adventure this year brings up several points of discussion — both praise and question marks. Starting off with concerns, he only played 19 games this season. Regardless of the reason, that’s a small sample size. With less data and fewer viewings, it’s harder to feel confident in any assessments. Also concerning: reports of late-season fatigue. If his endurance doesn’t improve, it could be problematic.
Conversely, having great showings in a small sample size should be encouraging. He went from his toughest competition being the U-20 circuit to playing against young men in their early 20s at college. To be able to make such a quick adjustment in another continent — as the youngest player in said league — speaks to both his talent and his intelligence.
What stands out among these scouting reports is the variety offered. His playmaking and physicality consistently get recognized, and both are great traits to have. These elements translate to team success even if he doesn’t ultimately show up on the scoresheet.
There are no guarantees with picks, obviously. Hemming would fit an interesting mixture of being a big-sized player Los Angeles often targets, a physical specimen they covet, and a skilled asset they need. Additional time in college to work on his physical fitness should help, especially as the Kings would most likely not have an immediate NHL roster spot for him anyway.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
Lead photo via BC / Meg Kelly
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