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Recent Penguins Forward Walks Away From the NHL to Sign Overseas
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
The Penguins did not send forward Emil Bemstrom a qualifying offer, and now he has officially left the NHL and signed overseas with SC Bern, per Tony Androckitis.
Earlier this summer, the Penguins passed on signing forward Emil Bemstrom, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Having been on the open market for more than a month, Emil Bemstrom has supposedly found his new home.
Inside AHL Hockey's Tony Androckitis reports the 25-year-old forward is signing with Swiss National League team SC Bern.
"Looks like PIT UFA RW Emil Bemstrom is signing overseas with SC Bern (Swiss NL) for 2025-26, per sjobergh.
Bemstrom, 26, was a top line staple while in AHL - with 48 points (23G-25A) in 48GP with WBSPens in 2024-25."
- Tony Androckitis
Bemstrom, 26, was a top line staple while in AHL - with 48 points (23G-25A) in 48GP with WBSPens in 2024-25."
- Tony Androckitis
Bemstrom played for Pittsburgh in 14 games during the 2024-25 season with no goals, one assist, 12 hits, and an even plus/minus rating.
Emil Bemstrom Didn't Work Out as Hoped With the Pittsburgh Penguins
He spent most of the season in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he recorded 23 goals, 25 assists, and 48 points in 48 games.
The Penguins acquired Bemstrom from the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2023-24 season for Alexander Nylander and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick. He played 24 games with Pittsburgh in that season, recording three goals and five points.
In more than six seasons with the Columbus and Pittsburgh NHL clubs, Bemstrom has played in 242 games with 34 goals, 41 assists, and 75 points.
Now, as he crosses over to SC Bern overseas, he'll look to take his scoring ability with him and be a key player in the Swiss league.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
AOUT 13 | 15 ANSWERS Recent Penguins Forward Walks Away From the NHL to Sign Overseas Will Emil Bemstrom have more success in Switzerland than in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 86.7 % |
| No | 2 | 13.3 % |
| List of polls | ||