5 dynamic forward prospects for Blackhawks fans to know before the 2024 NHL Draft

Emil Hemming, RW/TPS

Ranked 27th at Tankathon, Emil Hemming was an alternate captain for his U20 SM-sarja club, TPS. He saw time in just 24 regular season and postseason games, putting up 28 points and 16 goals, but the 17-year-old saw an additional 40 regular season matchups in Liiga. 

This has given him ample ice time at Finland’s top level, and although he contributed just 11 points and seven goals, Hemming will gain even more experience when he’s presumably in Liiga for all of next season. Like Miettinen, Hemming also displays outstanding size at 6’2, 194 lbs, and his alternate captain status in U20 SM-sarja also implies leadership, which is a bonus. 

Like many prospects on this list, Hemming is someone Kyle Davidson could take with his second pick in the first round. But there is also a chance he drops to the second round, in which Davidson could draft him there, which could ultimately land him with three first-round talents in what will be the top 35. 

Regardless if the pick is Hemming during the final weekend in June, one of the other forwards listed, or a player not mentioned, there is a good chance Davidson cashes in big. And a high-potential pick like Hemming would create a buzz regardless of what Davidson does with his first (and possibly second) pick. 

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)