By: Ryan Finch | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanFinch0815
The Maine Mariners have continued to build the foundation of their 2026-27 roster by bringing back one of their emerging young forwards, as Linus Hemstrom has re-signed with the organization. After taking a significant step forward during his second season in Maine, Hemstrom returns to Portland with the opportunity to become an even bigger part of the Mariners’ offense.
Still just 22 years old, the Swedish winger has already shown why the Mariners believed in his potential. After beginning his ECHL career with the Bloomington Bison at the start of the 24-25 season, Hemstrom found a home in Maine following a midseason trade. The change of scenery proved to be exactly what he needed, as he quickly became a reliable contributor in the Mariners lineup and never looked out of place among the Mariners’ talented forward group.
Hemstrom’s growth was evident throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Skating in 69 regular-season games with Maine, he recorded 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points while showcasing the speed, creativity, and offensive instincts that made him a standout during his junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs. His three game-winning goals and ability to generate scoring chances in key moments demonstrated that he could be counted on when the Mariners needed offense most.
Although his offensive numbers dipped during the Kelly Cup Playoffs, Hemstrom remained an important piece of Maine’s lineup, appearing in 12 postseason games while collecting two assists. His willingness to play a responsible two-way game and contribute in all three zones allowed the coaching staff to trust him in meaningful situations as the Mariners made the deepest playoff run in franchise history. For a player experiencing his first taste of professional playoff hockey, the experience should prove invaluable heading into next season.
One of the most encouraging aspects of Hemstrom’s season was the way his confidence grew as the year progressed. Rather than trying to force plays, he became more comfortable using his skating ability to create space, attack defenders, and generate offense for both himself and his teammates. His chemistry with the Mariners’ forward group continued to improve, making him a dangerous player whenever he was on the ice.
For head coach Rick Kowalsky, bringing Hemstrom back is another important step in maintaining continuity after an offseason that has seen several key players depart for new opportunities. While the Mariners have lost offensive contributors such as Jacob Hudson and Brooklyn Kalmikov, retaining a young player like Hemstrom helps soften those losses and gives the organization someone capable of taking on an even larger role.
Hemstrom’s return also reflects the Mariners’ confidence in his long-term development. Players often make their biggest jump between their first and second full professional seasons, and there is every reason to believe the Swedish forward is poised to do exactly that. With two full years of ECHL experience now under his belt and a better understanding of Kowalsky’s system, Hemstrom enters the season with the chance to establish himself as one of Maine’s top offensive weapons.
As the Mariners continue assembling their roster for another run at a Kelly Cup championship, bringing back Linus Hemstrom is about more than adding another forward. It is about retaining a player whose best hockey is still ahead of him. If his progression throughout last season was any indication, Mariners fans have every reason to be excited about what the young Swede can accomplish in his second full season in Portland.
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