Oscar Hemming
2025-26 Team: Boston College Eagles (NCAA)
Date of Birth: Aug. 13, 2008
Place of Birth: Vassa, Finland
Ht: 6-foot-4 Wt: 193 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Forward
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible
Rankings
As the youngest player in all of college hockey at 17, Oscar Hemming is a massive winger who has impressed a ton with his ability to jump right into the lineup at Boston College. He entered a tough Hockey East conference and immediately stepped into a top-six role.
Related: THW’s 2026 NHL Draft Guide
At 6-foot-4, he looks massive on the ice and plays a power forward role. Hemming is one of the top players coming out of the NCAA in this 2026 draft cycle, which is turning out to be one of the best NCAA draft classes in a while. Other names in that group include players like Gavin McKenna, Keaton Verhoeff, Ilia Morozov, and Tynan Lawrence. Hemming and Lawrence both joined their programs midseason, and I think Hemming has made the better jump so far.
Hemming had issues starting the season due to contract complications with his club in Finland. Originally a draft pick of the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Import Draft, he ultimately decided to join Boston College midseason back in December.
After getting into six Hlinka Gretzky Cup games for Finland’s U18 team, Hemming transitioned into college hockey. Near the end of the season, he’s played top-line left/right wing alongside James Hagens and Andre Gasseau, both Boston Bruins draft picks. Hagens was selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Bruins, and the two have built some great chemistry; perhaps the Bruins could look into drafting Hemming?
It has been very impressive to see Hemming move up to the top line, especially after initially starting on the second line when he joined the team. His ice time has increased throughout the season, now averaging around 16-17 minutes per game. Hemming has shown strong playmaking ability and has recorded a good number of assists so far, building chemistry with his linemates as the season progressed.
Hemming moves well for his size and plays a heavy, physical game. He is hard on the forecheck, gets to the tough areas of the ice, and uses his long reach to keep defenders off him. He consistently attacks the slot, and most of his shots come from that area.
While he’s not taken many faceoffs this season (just one draw recorded), he remains a versatile forward who can play both wings. Hemming scored his first collegiate goal against the Merrimack Warriors on Feb. 14. It was the game-winning goal in the third period.
Hemming has also been an important part of Boston College’s power-play unit, which has been one of the best in the NCAA this season. The Eagles’ power-play is operating at 27.2% on the season, which ranks seventh in the NCAA. Hemming plays on the top power-play unit, typically setting up around the faceoff circle where he can get his one-timer off.
Oscar Hemming – NHL Draft Projection
Hemming’s draft projection varies depending on the outlet, but I believe he will definitely go inside the top 20. There is plenty of upside due to his size, physical style, and quick development in a short amount of time. Considering he’s only played half a season of college hockey, his impact has been extremely impressive.
I’d take Hemming inside the top 15 because he’s been a major riser on many draft boards. Teams like the Bruins or the Florida Panthers could be strong fits for him since his physical style and ability to get to the dirty areas of the ice match how those franchises like to play.
Other THW Profiles
Quotables
“It’s really impressive how quickly he’s adapted, especially not playing, just practicing, this fall,” Boston College head coach Greg Brown said. “He hadn’t had a game since August, I think, so to adjust that quickly, being the youngest guy on the ice and still mentally sees it at the right speed, which is really impressive. And then physically, he’s not just out there trying to slide by. He’s impacting the game. He’s physical when he can be. He gets on the inside, he protects pucks. Like all those things for a 17-year old are really impressive.”
“I struggle to condense my thoughts on how impressive Hemming’s season has been. A whirlwind start to the season has turned into one of the most seamless jumps between European U20 and NCAA hockey that I have ever seen. Hemming is playing hard minutes at BC and, yet, he looks like he has the size advantage as he battles in the slot or pushes through traffic with the puck. It’s the same outside-in playmaking, and between-the-tackles play-driving, that Hemming was known for in Finland.” – Gabriel Foley
Strengths
- Hockey IQ
- Size
- Long Reach
- Strength
- Physicality
- Skating
- Net-Front Presence
- Puck Protection
- Playmaking
- Heavy Wrist Shot
Under Construction/Improvements to Make
- Passing Accuracy
- Scoring Production
- Defensive Positioning
NHL Potential
Hemming has top-six NHL potential. He can play both wings and has the versatility to contribute on a power-play unit. His playmaking, forechecking, and speed for his size show high-end upside, and teams will likely be willing to draft him early due to these pros.
Risk/Reward Analysis
Risk – 1.5/5, Reward – 4.5/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense – 8.5/10, Defense – 7/10
Awards/Achievements
- U20 SM-sarja Silver Medal (2024-25)
Interviews/Links
Oscar Hemming Stats
Videos
