In Hemmerling’s first pro season with the Henderson Silver Knights in the American Hockey League, he played in 17 games and recorded two points (one goal and one assist). He did not see his first game action until March 8, 2025, after rehabbing an upper-body injury to start the season. He needs to put his previous injuries behind him and adapt to the size and speed of the professional game. If he can withstand physicality and find his offensive touch, which he developed in junior, he will be on the right track. Hemmerling has the potential to become a reliable bottom-six forward who can make plays and create offense, but he is a long-term project and has a long way to go before becoming fantasy-relevant. He does not need to be rostered until he shows positive progression in his professional career with the Silver Knights.

Hemmerling is getting set to return for one final season of junior hockey with the WHL Everett Silvertips, the same team that he helped to lead for stretches of last year’s campaign. While not averse to waiting for tips in the slot, he often attacks from the boards when he has the puck, evading defenders with quick feet and decision-making which makes his passing ability difficult to suppress. With that said, his tendency to stick to the outside of the ice at five-on-five could bite him, where at 5-10 and without blazing speed he’s in danger of being boxed out at the next level. We’ll see how his game evolves this season playing a few more minutes per night, namely in a consistent spot on the Silvertips power play.