Minor Transactions: Bemström, Semptimphelter, Valis
The Penguins reassigned winger Emil Bemström to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton earlier today, per a team announcement. Pittsburgh recalled Bemström on Thursday under emergency conditions, and he entered the lineup to play 8:23 against the Devils yesterday while recording one shot on goal. If they don’t recall him tomorrow before their afternoon matchup against the Bruins, they’ll roll 11 forwards and seven defensemen. It could also be an indication that winger Philip Tomasino is ready to return after missing three games with a concussion. Every other injured Penguin is out for the season. Bemström, 25, has just one assist in 14 games with the Pens this year despite recording over a point per game in the minors.
Other minor moves from around hockey today:
- Free agent goaltender T.J. Semptimphelter has joined the Islanders organization on a tryout with AHL Bridgeport, the team said. A frequent mention in our college free agent previews over the last couple of years, the 22-year-old turns pro after four collegiate seasons – the last of which was spent with North Dakota after transferring from Arizona State. In 31 games for the Fighting Hawks, he put up a 2.64 GAA, .910 SV%, one shutout, and an 18-11-2 record. He was previously a Hobey Baker nominee after his standout sophomore season with ASU, in which he posted a 2.84 GAA and .913 SV% in 36 showings for the then-independent program.
- Recent Maple Leafs signing Borya Valis will finish the season with AHL Toronto, the minor league’s transactions log reflects. His Prince George Cougars were recently eliminated in the first round of the Western Hockey League playoffs by the Portland Winterhawks – he had 3-4–7 in the seven-game defeat. He’ll finish his breakout 80-point season by making his professional debut.
Maple Leafs Sign Borya Valis To Entry-Level Deal
March 1st is an important day on the NHL calendar as it’s the first day that players can sign future contracts that begin the following season. The Maple Leafs have wasted little time getting one of those done as they’ve signed forward Borya Valis to a three-year, entry-level deal as announced by his agent Dan Milstein (Twitter link). The team subsequently confirmed the move. PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that the deal will carry a $872.5K cap charge and a $975K AAV including signing and games-played bonuses.
The 20-year-old is playing his final season at the major junior level. He started his WHL career with Regina in 2021, spending parts of three seasons with the team. The second of those was his draft-eligible year and while he secured a ranking of 152nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, he went undrafted in 2023 and 2024.
Last season, Valis was traded midseason, going from Regina to Prince George. Between the two teams, he picked up 26 goals and 44 assists in 67 regular season games before adding 13 points in 15 postseason contests. He’s producing at a better clip this year, tallying 29 goals and 44 helpers through 57 contests with the Cougars, one of four Western Conference teams to already clinch a playoff spot.
As the contract begins next season, Valis won’t count against Toronto’s 50-contract limit until the summer. In the meantime, should the Cougars be eliminated while the AHL Marlies are still playing in their postseason, he will be eligible to join and play for them on an ATO agreement, giving him some time with the team he’s likely to play for when the contract begins in 2025-26.