Penguins and Blue Jackets officially complete trade

The trade that sent Alex Nylander packing to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Emil Bemstrom has finally wrapped up as we're gearing up for the last game of the season.

It went down on February 22nd when the Penguins and the Blue Jackets decided to make a deal. Nylander headed to Columbus while Bemstrom joined the Penguins. Yet there was also a conditional 2026 draft pick that was part of the deal.

So, with the Penguins hitting the ice for their final game tonight against the New York Islanders, having already been eliminated from playoff contention. Bemstrom is sitting this one out, meaning the details of that draft pick have been settled.




The Penguins were supposed to cough up a draft pick based on how Bemstrom performed. The deal was if he managed to net at least six goals during his stint with the Penguins, the Blue Jackets would score an upgraded 2026 draft pick, jumping from the 6th to the 3rd round. Yet, with Bemstrom on three goals and officially out for tonight's game, it's clear Columbus will be pocketing that 6th-round pick in the 2026 draft.

That said, even if he did lace up tonight, the chances of him pulling off a hat trick were slim.


Although Bemstrom did make his mark against the Nashville Predators, it also appeared he injured himself too. If that is the case, we wish him a speedy recovery.


Meanwhile, Nylander has been lighting it up for Columbus, racking up 11 goals and 4 assists in just 23 games. That's more goals in one game for Columbus than he managed his entire time with the Penguins, spanning one and a half seasons.