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Penguins call up Emil Bemstrom from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

Emil Bemstrom, acquired at the end of last season, was called up today from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and will make his season debut for the Penguins.
ByZane Bloom|
Mar 7, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Emil Bemstrom (52) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Emil Bemstrom (52) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Today the Penguins announced that they've called up forward Emil Bemstrom from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Bemstrom was acquired last season in late February in a trade with the Blue Jackets that sent Alex Nylander and a 6th round round pick to Columbus.

In 24 games with the Penguins last season, Bemstrom scored three goals and notched two assists while averaging just under nine minutes of ice time per game.

He broke into the league at 20 years-old with the Blue Jackets, but never put up top-six centerman numbers. His best season came in his rookie year when he put up 10 goals and 10 assists.

The Current Scoop on Bemstrom

Bemstrom has always been an excellent AHL performer. In parts of two seasons with the Cleveland Monsters (Columbus affiliate), Bemstrom had 45 points in just 29 games. Since joining the Penguins' organiation, he's seen similar success.

In Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, Bemstrom is once again point-per-game with 19 goals and 22 assists (41 points) in 37 games. Scoring ability has always been his strong suit, as he is another product of the Swedish Hockey League, often regarded as one of the most prestigious hockey leagues in the world.

Despite his lack of success at the NHL level, Bemstrom is the rare case of a 25 year-old having five seasons of NHL experience. He's still very young (especially in relation to the Penguins' average age), and perhaps his best games are ahead of him.

It's worth giving him another chance to see what he can do for the big league club.

Lines have not been announced as of now for tonight's game against the New York Rangers, but Bemstrom is likely to make his season debut at the NHL level tonight, especially with Sidney Crosby being ruled out.

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