Final night time, the New York Rangers made a major addition to their roster by choosing E.J. Emery with the thirtieth total decide within the NHL Entry Draft. Emery, hailing from Surrey, British Columbia, has chosen to characterize america internationally. His father, Eric Emery, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and made his mark within the Canadian Soccer League. E.J. Emery, a standout product of america Nationwide Crew Improvement Program (USNTDP), is ready to proceed his growth subsequent yr on the College of North Dakota.
Defensive Prowess
Emery, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 185 kilos, is a stay-at-home defenseman recognized extra for his defensive prowess than his offensive contributions. Throughout his time with the USNTDP, he recorded 22 factors in 88 video games, all of which have been assists. Emery has stated he fashions his sport after Rangers defenseman Ok’Andre Miller, a becoming comparability given Miller’s 6-foot-5, 210-pound body.
Each gamers are wonderful skaters who use their measurement and attain successfully to disrupt opposing forwards. Emery is especially famous for his aggressive defending, typically breaking apart performs earlier than they will develop and utilizing his intangibles to rapidly shut down house, reasonably than conceding floor to his opponents.
Progress in Offensive Contributions
Whereas Emery’s offensive sport continues to be creating, he made vital progress from his draft minus-one season to his draft yr. In his draft minus-one season, he recorded 21 factors in 99 video games, in comparison with 22 factors in 88 video games the next season. These improved stats replicate his rising capability to contribute offensively. Emery’s velocity permits him to successfully leap into transition. Though he might by no means attain the offensive heights of a participant like Adam Fox or see a lot energy play time, he has the potential so as to add some offensive worth to his sport. If he continues to develop his offensive abilities, he may attain a stage just like Braden Schneider.
Psychological Strategy and Sport Improvement
The distinction between Emery’s defensive and offensive video games is most evident in how he approaches the sport mentally. Defensively, he makes fast selections and trusts his instincts, which serves him properly all through his personal zone. Offensively, nevertheless, he tends to hesitate and lacks confidence, typically taking too lengthy with the puck. Early within the season, this hesitation led to struggles, particularly when making selections with the puck in his personal zone. Nonetheless, because the yr progressed, his skating capability grew to become extra obvious, and with elevated confidence, he confirmed potential in executing efficient zone exits—an space the Rangers notably struggled with through the playoffs.
Future Potential and Crew Match
Emery is probably going two to 3 years away from making his NHL debut. If he reaches his full potential and turns into a shutdown defenseman, he’ll match seamlessly on the Rangers’ proper aspect alongside Fox and Schneider. If Emery have been NHL-ready now, he could be a really perfect alternative for Jacob Trouba, who’s more and more more likely to be traded. In line with Larry Brooks, the Rangers and the Detroit Crimson Wings are presently negotiating a deal to ship the Rangers’ captain to Detroit (from Larry Brooks “Speak of Rangers buying and selling Jacob Trouba to Crimson Wings rising,” New York Put up, June 29, 2024). Ethan Hétu, U.S. Regional Scout at McKeen’s Hockey, informed me Emery “initiatives as a top-four defensive power” if all breaks proper, in some ways just like Ryan Lindgren however within the physique of a “premium athlete.” He added that “whereas Emery’s offense continues to be very a lot in query, his mixture of measurement and mobility offers him actual defensive upside.” If Emery develops right into a participant like Lindgren, the Rangers might be thrilled with this decide.
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In a bad-case state of affairs, Emery will nonetheless be a worthwhile bottom-pairing defenseman, able to killing penalties and taking part in essential minutes in late-game conditions. His measurement and defensive acumen will guarantee he can contribute even when he doesn’t attain his ceiling as a top-four defenseman. His capability to play bodily and use his attain successfully will permit him to make an influence within the NHL. The Rangers’ defensive depth might be significantly enhanced with Emery within the combine, and he’ll present insurance coverage in opposition to accidents and different unexpected circumstances. Furthermore, his presence within the lineup will convey stability and reliability, that are essential for a staff with championship aspirations. The teaching workers and followers alike will admire his dedication and work ethic as he transitions to the skilled stage.
