The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that forward Emil Bemström has been reassigned to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The move comes as the team continues to manage its roster amid injuries and performance evaluations.
Bemström, 24, was acquired by the Penguins from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a midseason trade. Since joining Pittsburgh, he has been working to establish himself in the lineup, but with the team making adjustments, he will now return to the AHL to continue his development.
A former fourth-round pick by Columbus in the 2017 NHL Draft, Bemström showed early promise in his NHL career, particularly during his rookie season in 2019-20 when he recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 56 games. Known for his offensive instincts and shooting ability, he has struggled to find consistency at the NHL level in recent seasons.
Since joining the Penguins organization, Bemström has seen limited action with the NHL club, often serving as a depth forward. His reassignment to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will provide him with an opportunity to log more minutes and refine his game. In the AHL, he has demonstrated his scoring ability, which could help him earn another call-up in the future.
The Penguins have been dealing with injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the season, which has led to frequent roster moves. The decision to send Bemström down suggests that the team is either making room for a returning player or looking to give other forwards a chance to contribute at the NHL level. Pittsburgh’s front office and coaching staff have been evaluating different combinations to maximize their offensive production.
For Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Bemström’s arrival provides a boost to their forward group. The AHL club has been competitive this season, and adding a player with NHL experience should help their offensive production. His ability to contribute on the power play and generate scoring chances will be valuable to the team’s success.
While this reassignment might be disappointing for Bemström, it does not necessarily mean he is out of Pittsburgh’s plans. Many players move between the NHL and AHL as part of their development, and if he performs well in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he could earn another opportunity with the Penguins later in the season.
As Pittsburgh continues its push for a playoff spot, roster management will be crucial. The team is looking for consistency in its forward group, and players like Bemström will need to prove they can contribute when given the opportunity. For now, he will focus on making an impact in the AHL, with hopes of working his way back onto the NHL roster.
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