Joakim Kemell scores unusual first NHL goal for Nashville Predators vs Tampa
Joakim Kemell scored his first NHL goal for the Nashville Predators on a rather unusual play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 29. After taking a pass from Filip Forsberg, Kemell was tripped up on his way to the Tampa net, drawing a penalty. However, the puck slid under Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson as Kemell was crashing into the net, giving the rookie his first NHL goal.
Joakim Kemell's first NHL goal is... unconventional to say the least. pic.
twitter. com/TGMSVgqaS0 — Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) March 29, 2026 A 21-year-old rookie, Kemell debuted for the Predators last season and has played in eight games this season. He made the Predators out of training camp, but spent most of the season in Milwaukee.
He was recalled by the Predators on March 6. A first-round pick by the Predators in the 2022 NHL Draft, Kemell selected at No. 17 overall out of JYP in the Finnish League.
In 192 games for the Milwaukee Admirals, Kemell has scored 51 goals and 92 assists, adding 29 points in 39 playoff games. PLAYOFFS: Today's Nashville Predators playoff picture, wild-card standings, first-round matchups Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.