Time running out for Jackets’ Bemstrom
Emil Bemstrom’s first three seasons with the Blue Jackets have been a blur.
After arriving from Sweden in 2019, the 22-year old forward has dealt with a spate of health issues, a pandemic that altered his first three NHL seasons plus a mountain of disappointment for not becoming the goal-scoring phenom he appeared to be during a remarkable rookie season in the Swedish Hockey League.
He’s a pending restricted free agent who’s unsure of what’s next.
“Being here, of course … that’s one of my goals,” said Bemstrom, who’s finally healthy and getting a closer look from the coaching staff in the season’s final month. “(After that), it’s to earn a bigger role in this organization. Hopefully, it goes the right way and I’m not getting any more injuries. I also need to have a strong offseason here and go from there.”
Knowing this was the final year of his entry-level contract, Bemstrom carried a lot of internal pressure into this season.
He was determined to impress coach Brad Larsen and the team’s management, but a solid training camp that earned Bemstrom a roster spot was
quickly nixed by a strained oblique muscle days before the season opener. It cost him 28 games over nearly three months and was just his first extended absence this season.
Following an uninspired 13-game return, Bemstrom tested positive for COVID-19 in February and missed another nine games, including the final three as a healthy scratch. It wasn’t a new experience, as he also missed time with multiple
injuries in his first two NHL campaigns.
“It’s a grind,” Bemstrom said. “I’ve been injured almost every year since I’ve been over here.”
Bemstrom would like to sign a contract extension in the summer to remain in Columbus, but he knows the Jackets also have a crop of young forwards on the rise behind him.
“I know I have a better game in me,” said Bemstrom, who’s added a goal and assist while skating on the second forward line the past week. “I’m just trying to get away shots. That’s my biggest weapon, so I’m trying to use that. I feel like I have much more to give, so we’ll see what happens.”
Atkinson shines for struggling Flyers
Following the trade that sent him to Philadelphia, Cam Atkinson
has stood out for the Flyers, leading his new team in scoring.
“Personally, it’s been OK for me,” said Atkinson, who had 23 goals, 27 assists and 50 points before facing the Jackets on Thursday. “I’ve had somewhat of a decent year, but, unfortunately, it’s not good enough. You look at the position our team is in and that’s the crappy part. But it’s still kind of fresh to me being in a new organization, being an older guy and trying to lead by example. That’s all I really can worry about right now.” bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger