Rangers select defenseman EJ Emery in first round of 2024 NHL Draft

LAS VEGAS — The Rangers added some much-needed size to their defensive pipeline. 

With the 30th pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere on Friday night, the Blueshirts selected EJ Emery out of the U.S. National Development Team Program. 

Emery, who is committed to play at the University of North Dakota next season, stands at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds.

Known as a defensive-minded defenseman who is a strong skater, the 18-year-old said he models his game after Rangers blueliner K’Andre Miller. 

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

After totaling 28 points in 121 games for the NTDP over the past two seasons, Emery is now headed for the NCAA to be a Fighting Hawk and play for Brad Berry.

The dual citizen of Canada and the United States said the coaches, fans and team made the University of North Dakota feel like home and the right fit for him. 

Emery is set to attend the Rangers’ development camp, which will begin on July 2 at the MSG Training Center in Tarrytown. 

“EJ is a very talented young man,” said John Lilley, the Blueshirts’ Director of Player Personnel and Amateur Scouting. “He’s raw, very athletic, just starting to come into his own. Has a lot of work to do getting a little bit stronger, but the foundation is there.

“He’s an excellent skater and his defensive game, we found as a staff, was one of the best in the entire draft.” 

Lilley said picking up big-bodied defensemen is always a priority, but the Rangers front office believed Emery to be the best available player left on the draft board at pick No. 30. 

Emery highlighted his skating ability and defensive soundness when describing himself as a player, saying he’s good at being a “lockdown guy” and someone who can shut down plays. Moving the puck well and playing on the penalty kill appear to be some of his other notable attributes. 

“He was a guy we had high on our list,” 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.” 

One of the questions surrounding Emery is his offensive capabilities, to which Lilley said he can see young blueliner having potential to improve on.

Pointing out that Emery had six assists in seven games for Team USA at the U-18 World Junior Championships this past season, Lilley noted how well his puck-moving abilities are coming along. 

Lilley wouldn’t classify Emery as strictly a defensive defenseman, but that is what the Rangers valued the most in his game. 

“It was a pretty exciting moment,” Emery said. “I don’t know who is more excited, me or my mom.”