Rangers Draft EJ Emery 30th Overall

As you can tell, Drury and the Blueshirts held onto their first-round pick. From the USNTDP, the Rangers drafted EJ Emery 30th overall.

Emery is known for his athleticism and shutdown skill as a defender. He has never flashed a high level of offensive skill, but he can skate well and is able to use his set of tools including his long reach, ability to read and angle himself to cut off opposing players, and physicality to win puck battles.

Don't let his lack of offensive production tarnish the excitement around him, while only registering 16 assists in his last full season with the USNTDP squad, he put up 6 assists in 7 games in the U18 WJC tournament and his defensive ability is the real deal.

Elite Prospects had this to say about the newest New York Ranger.

Emery absorbs and erases opposing rushes with smooth backward strides and a stable, perfect posture. Stick in front of him, extended but not overreaching, he pushes opponents wide and pivots onto them, knocking the puck away with a precise pokecheck. -EliteProspects 2024 NHL Draft Guide

Emery will be attending the Univeristy of North Dakota next season, and it's likely he spends at least three seasons with the NCAA team. In their program he will look to sharpen his skills and perhaps unlock some further offensive potential as his toolset really gives him an advantage in games. His upside is that of a shutdown option as a second pair defenseman.