It's time for another Nashville Predators draft prospect preview. With the 2026 NHL Draft just over two weeks away, they will be closing in on its top targets, and this next prospect on our list may just be one of them.
We previously dove into Swedish defenseman Malte Gustafsson and how he could be the replacement for Mattias Ekholm on the Predators blueline. Staying in Scandinavia, our next prospect is Finnish winger Oscar Hemming.
Hemming combines big frame with big scoring
Hemming, 17, played 19 games with Boston College in the NCAA where he scored one goal and eight points. He tied for third in goal scoring at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with four goals. He previously played on Kiekko-Espoo's U20 team where he put up two goals and ten points in 18 games. While we can sit here and dwell on decent scoresheet tallies, it is a much better look when peaking at his overall archetype.
At 6-foot-4, 198 lbs., Hemming already has the frame of an NHLer. He frequently puts opponents in uncomfortable positions, opting to battle along the boards and screen the goalie. The winger has strong defensive awareness and hockey IQ in all three zones of the ice. He'd fit perfectly under Nashville's system which thrives highly on two-way hockey.
While his overall presence may be impressive, that is not even his most established skill. Scouts consistently note his shot to be one of the best in his draft class. Hemming possesses a shot that is difficult to defend. He lacks the pure release like an Auston Matthews but has the power to be a solid 20-30 goal scorer in his prime.
Even though he is a power forward at heart, Hemming is not afraid to flash a bit of playmaking excellence into his game. He is proven to be a viable puck mover, dishing the puck to optimal shooting lanes. With the Predators desperately needing more playmakers to guide their finishers, he is one of the stronger options to fill that hole at the draft.
Now, we cannot do a draft profile without handling some of his weaknesses. The most alarming topic for the Predators is his skating. The Nashville system is being built to thrive on speed and transition with the likes of Brady Martin and Ryker Lee in the works. At Hemming's build, it is easy to see why skating may be an issue. It typically takes a bit longer for taller players to fill their shoes thanks to their longer legs.
A smaller worry is the limited sample the Preds have. He only played 19 regular season games during the 2025-26 season with Boston College. Scouts must be very sure before they determine Hemming's worthiness in Nashville's system.
Hemming probably wouldn't be a first choice for the Predators if players like Tynan Lawrence or Daxon Rudolph are still on the board, but he would be a solid selection regardless. Scouts project his ceiling to be a top-line winger with elite scoring capabilities.
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