Apr 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) handles the puck ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins center Emil Bemstrom (52) during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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Pittsburgh Penguins Recall Emil Bemstrom to Bolster Roster

The Pittsburgh Penguins Bring Up Emil Bemström to Strengthen Their Offensive Depth

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to shake things up with their bottom-six forward group. On Wednesday, the team sent Jesse Puljujärvi down to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and, in turn, called up winger Emil Bemström to join the roster for Friday’s game against the New York Rangers.

This marks Bemstrom’s first NHL appearance since April 2024. After being traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets before last year’s trade deadline, he played 24 games for Pittsburgh, posting three goals and two assists. Despite some flashes of potential, Bemström didn’t make the roster out of training camp this season, cleared waivers, and spent significant time in the AHL. There, he thrived, leading the Baby Pens in scoring with 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in just 37 games.

The Penguins have recalled forward Emil Bemstrom from the @WBSPenguins (AHL). pic.twitter.com/3Uwz8uOK7w
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 7, 2025

The 25-year-old Swedish forward has had an up-and-down NHL career so far. He made an impressive debut with the Blue Jackets in 2019-20, tallying 20 points in 56 games and showing promise as a depth scorer. However, consistency has been an issue. While he’s been dominant in the minors, he’s struggled to translate that success into the NHL, often bouncing between the two leagues.

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Bemstrom’s return comes at a crucial time for the Penguins, who are missing key players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin due to injuries. Rickard Rakell has shifted to center to help fill the void, which has pushed depth players like Danton Heinen into larger roles. Bemström brings more offensive potential than other call-up options like Bokondji Imama, which Pittsburgh hopes will spark an offense that has only managed 11 goals in its last six games.

The Penguins also have talented prospects like Ville Koivunen and Vasiliy Ponomarev producing well in the AHL, but for now, the team is relying on Bemström’s experience to make an impact. As Pittsburgh faces the possibility of missing the playoffs for a third straight year—a streak they haven’t seen since 2002-2006—they’re hoping Bemström can provide a much-needed boost.

Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Emil Bemström

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Pittsburgh Penguins

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!