RD EJ Emery - USNTDP, USHL (2024 Draft)

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He’s very thin. Very unusual for a defensive defenseman.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1798025311537496361

 

[coooldude]

He’s very thin. Very unusual for a defensive defenseman.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1798025311537496361

He looks like an 18 year old who hasn't filled out his very athletic frame. Which he is.

 

[lanky]

Yep, I see a tall, broad frame.
Compare that to Sennecke for example, who seems to have a tall, narrow frame, and I'd say Emery is in a much better position to pack on muscle.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Emery being pretty lanky for his height and frame makes him even more projectable to me. He’s already pretty strong even as lean as he is but he could become a total menace to play against if he puts on muscle and gains the confidence to use it.

 

[57special]

Yep, I see a tall, broad frame.
Compare that to Sennecke for example, who seems to have a tall, narrow frame, and I'd say Emery is in a much better position to pack on muscle.

I agree about Emery's build being just fine. Sennecke's mother is long and lean, but very athletic. His Dad is taller, and at one point was described as a bodybuilder, so i wouldn't worry too much about him, either.

Hockey players don't have to be thick like football players. Strong legs, sure, and a little bit of muscle up top is nice, but real thick... nah, not really. Just take a look at Gretzky's build .... didn't hurt him.

 

[SI90]

Travis Hamonic esque. Would love this kid in my prospect system.

 

[Chainshot]

 

[SI90]

Kids a specimen. Had a terrific combine.

 

[Brock]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1802054905319837926

In that post you'll find some snippets and videos from that piece that highlight his growth this season.

 

[Kraken Jokes]

I confidently have him inside my top 20. He's a future Ekholm, Lindell, Tanev, Pesce calibre D who will have a long productive career.

 

[Hollel]

It’s been fascinating to see this guy get so much love on here and in many public lists, and yet a place I would expect to see that reciprocated (HockeyProspect) was quite low on him (59th OA). They are really discouraged with the IQ, pucks skills and perceived upside. I don’t have any opinion to add on him since I haven’t watched but I will be interested to see his actual draft slot and career unfold.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

I confidently have him inside my top 20. He's a future Ekholm, Lindell, Tanev, Pesce calibre D who will have a long productive career.

I have loved this guys game from the first time I saw him play back in September. I wasn’t at all surprised by his great combine results because he is clearly a phenomenal athlete. EJ has the potential to be a solid top 4 D and maybe more if he discovers his offensive ability.

 

[shaner8989]

Questionable IQ and minimal to zero offense provided. Not something I’d want with a top 20 pick.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Questionable IQ and minimal to zero offense provided. Not something I’d want with a top 20 pick.

Emery doesn’t have questionable IQ, he has questionable creativity. There’s a difference.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I feel his defensive IQ has improved a lot in the past season. I still have my questions, but his IQ isn't something I'd worry about anymore. Last season it was fair game, not this one.

 

[King'sPawn]

Emery doesn’t have questionable IQ, he has questionable creativity. There’s a difference.

Agreed.

A big reason I'm very high on Emery is because for the role he's expected to play (tough stay-at-home defenseman), he should play that role very well. The offense isn't there because his focus is just getting the puck where he wants - out of his zone and if possible, at his opponent's goal.

Defensively, he covers a lot of ice with his skating ability and reach. When he closes the gap, he'll pin the opposition and give them fits when they try to escape.

He has high IQ imo. He plays within his means and knows how to make use of his strengths.

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

One of Iginla and Catton with 7th and one of Emery or Elick with 25th would make me extremely happy. I honestly don't want the sens to draft a dman with 7th unless somehow silayev levshunov or buium are still there.

 

[Sergei Shirokov]

I confidently have him inside my top 20. He's a future Ekholm, Lindell, Tanev, Pesce calibre D who will have a long productive career.

Tanev has better puck skills & puck moving ability, hes not a point producer but hes underrated in that area. Its why he can play on top pairs. Think Emery is more limited in this area & will be at his best keeping things simple.

Sorta reminds me of Myers defensively tbh, & I mean that as a compliement. Myers is a good rush defender with his size/mobility/length & was effective this year as a 2nd pair RD in a structured environment. I could see that for Emery, tho Myers has more offensive skill.