BEMSTROM FOR NYLANDER
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired winger Emil Bemstrom from the Columbus Blue Jackets for winger Alex Nylander and a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2026.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins are rumored to be open for all kinds of business before this year's trade deadline. So, it should not be a surprise that Bemstrom was acquired. He is still young enough to finally break out offensively, which is something Pittsburgh desperately needs at this time. Bemstrom should get a much better opportunity to showcase his scoring ability with the Pens.
What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
President John Davidson's first move as the Jackets' interim GM is a bit of roster housecleaning. The Jackets have too many similar wingers, so Bemstrom was deemed expendable at this time. Nylander will probably remain in the AHL. Columbus will also receive a sixth-rounder down the road, which can become a third-rounder if Bemstrom scores six goals down the stretch.
Fantasy impact
Bemstrom could be worth a flier now that he is in Pittsburgh, since he is likely to play with either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin as a top-six winger down the stretch. This is Bemstrom's big opportunity, but will he seize it? As for Nylander, he can continue to be ignored in most fantasy leagues.
