COLUMBUS — A day after trading for a big-bodied winger, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected another on Friday night in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

General Manager Don Waddell and the Blue Jackets brass picked left winger Oscar Hemming out of Boston College with the 14th overall pick, reportedly after failing to find a suitable trade partner to move back in the draft. Coming in at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Hemming's physical frame is a near carbon copy of newly acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin, who only bests Hemming by about 10 pounds. Clearly, these are the prototypical wingers Waddell values.

Hemming recorded one goal and seven assists for eight points in 19 games last season for the Eagles. His collegiate playing time was limited because he joined the team mid-season following an international contract dispute that was no fault of his own. The 17-year-old Finnish forward will return to Boston College this fall.