Draft R1 #30: Rangers select EJ Emery (RHD, USNTDP/USHL)

[LiveLongandProspal]

View attachment 889093

I'd say a lot of the Miller comparisons come from the fact that he is Emery's role-model (and that it's a Rangers pick)

And they're both big bodies who are athletic and excellent skaters.

Oh, and one other thing...

 

[will1066]

Is that … good?

Still don’t understand the Miller comparison. This guy is all defense. Miller has no defensive instinct and is basically a forward playing defense. So other than fitness, nationality and skin tone, what’s the similarity?

He's Canadian actually

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Just for the record, McKenzie had him ranked 27th and Button 16th. So we didn't over-draft the kid. I've seen that said a couple of times.

 

[mike14]

Who exactly is a shut down Dman on the Rangers right now?

Fox, but he shuts you down by not letting you have the puck

 

[Baby Punisher]

lol we were picking 30th and picked one of the BPA that also fit a need. Profiles as a shutdown guy with size.

Love going with the USNTDP guys, we seem to have pretty good luck with them.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1806879867956306310

Miller isn't good.
We are doomed.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Miller isn't good.
We are doomed.

He plays nothing like Miller. It's a lazy-ass comparison because they are both black and good skaters.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

I mean Trouba and Lindgren fall into that category even if they’re ass lol

K’Andre kind of does as well cause he stinks at offense

I’m not sure how anyone looks at what happened with this team and says “yeah, we need more defensemen who can’t generate shit for offense”

You are joking right? Trouba and Lindgren are both ass at defending. This defense bled chances against in the playoffs against Carolina and especially Florida. Our D group actually was 3rd in the league in scoring this year. I don't know what to tell you if you think this team doesn't need somebody who can actually defend.

 

[Clark Kellogg]

I’m happy with the pick. 30OA in a meh draft.
Tough on Drury though, passing on 2025 or 2026 1st pick from Edmonton.
The odds would have been in the Rangers favor.

 

[Levitate]

Fox is the teams real shut down defender

Miller is generally good in the neutral zone and defending his blue line if he's not forced back because of no forward pressure

Miller makes a few gafes trying to step up at times but overall he's pretty competent at shutting down rushes

 

[ArPanet]

I’m expecting to hear as early as this year how impressed the Rangers are with his maturity and that he might be ready to make the jump sooner than anticipated.

 

[LaffyTaffy13]

Maybe, but who knows? You can't go wrong taking the BPA.

I agree. Which is why I like the pick

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Miller isn't good.
We are doomed.

??? In case people forgot, this kid was drafted 30th.....not 10th.

If you get a player who can be an everyday regular NHL player you did pretty good.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

Fox, but he shuts you down by not letting you have the puck

Yes, and we need a guy that focuses on the defending part.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

I said elsewhere that Emery reminds me of a finesse-oriented Erik Cernak. He's so good defensively.

 

[Evgeny Oliker]

This is one of the main reasons NyR can’t win a cup on a consistent basis.

Let’s keep drafting the Mcilrath type of D in round 1? How has that gone so far?

Everyone knows defensive defenseman can be bought in free agency. Geez. It’s like NYR refuse to learn.

There were many talented guys like Chernyshev still on the board

 

[RangersFan1994]

Whats his comparable Brandon Carlo??

 

[Hunter Gathers]

This is one of the main reasons NyR can’t win a cup on a consistent basis.

Let’s keep drafting the Mcilrath type of D in round 1? How has that gone so far?

Everyone knows defensive defenseman can be bought in free agency. Geez. It’s like NYR refuse to learn.

There were many talented guys like Chernyshev still on the board

Who the f*** are you and why are you posting dumb crap like this on our board?

McIlrath? What drugs are you taking?

 

[Killem Dafoe]

This wasn't a pick for offense. He's a great athlete with amazing shut down capabilities. We could use a guy like this.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

Just for the record, McKenzie had him ranked 27th and Button 16th. So we didn't over-draft the kid. I've seen that said a couple of times.

The consensus of the pundits was right where he was picked, some earlier and some a little later, so you are correct he was not over drafted.

 

[Hunter Gathers]

Whats his comparable Brandon Carlo??

A finesse-oriented Erik Cernak. Incredibly challenging to play against as a forward; smothering.

 

[noncents]

I do wish that we prioritized high end skill. But you don't get that at 30 without sacrificing other big things.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Yes, and we need a guy that focuses on the defending part.

No, outside of healthy Adam Fox, we need all of our defenseman and the core as whole to be better in general/at everything. Defending, moving the puck out, avoiding mistakes, contributing offensively etc.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I wear #17 after a different EJ so its kind of cool to have a new EJ.

 

[PuckLuck3043]

This is one of the main reasons NyR can’t win a cup on a consistent basis.

Let’s keep drafting the Mcilrath type of D in round 1? How has that gone so far?

Everyone knows defensive defenseman can be bought in free agency. Geez. It’s like NYR refuse to learn.

There were many talented guys like Chernyshev still on the board

Do you know how much a Tanev is going to get pad this year?

 

[Hunter Gathers]

I do wish that we prioritized high end skill. But you don't get that at 30 without sacrificing other big things.

Also, skill guys at 30 usually have glaring flaws.