Why EJ Emery Was Slam Dunk Draft Pick For Rangers

The New York Rangers may have drafted the perfect player at the 30th overall pick.

When EJ Emery was selected by the Rangers yesterday he was not only ecstatic to be picked by a world-class organization, but the Blueshirts have a special place in Emery’s heart.

Emery models his game after K'Andre Miller and now he has an opportunity to be on the same team as a player that he looks up to with great admiration and respect.

“So, you know, I’m not complaining about wearing this jersey right now,” Emery said. “I haven’t met him yet, but hopefully soon.”

What kind of player do the Rangers have on their hands?

The 18-year-old defenseman stands at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds. While he is an overall strong skater, it’s his defensive game that really stands out.

“Emery’s defensive IQ remains his biggest strength,” The Hockey Writers’ Peter Baracchini wrote. “He’s got great awareness to anticipate and break up plays defending the rush and to get into lanes and disrupt plays. He excels at giving opponents very little space to work with, keeping them to the outside and not let them into the middle.

“As a result, that allows him to have a strong transition game and be a factor offensively with his breakouts. He’s got great mobility and speed for his size and while his offensive production may not jump off the page, he gets more involved than you think, leading rushes and getting pucks on net.”

In 61 games for the U.S. National Development Program last season Emery recorded 16 assists. He is committed to play at the University of North Dakota for this upcoming year.

The Rangers always had Emery on their radar and were pleased to see him still on the board late in the first round.

“He was a guy we had high on our list,” Blueshirts’ Director of Player Personnel and Amateur Scouting John Lilley said. “He’s an exciting young man and he’s got a bright future going to North Dakota. He’s a guy who is going to take some time, he’s young, he’s still got to grow into his body. But just athletically, the raw tools and raw talent are very good.”

It may be a little while until we see Emery in the NHL, but based on his high quality character and impressive defensive play, he seems to have potential that should excite Rangers fans.