EJ Emery

September 2026 – Emery leverages his great skating with size and aggression to suffocate rushes and zone entries. His defensive game is solid, with the occasional whiff or strange decision that still needs ironing out. He can be a bit awkward with the puck and plays his best when he keeps his game as simple as possible. That said, as the season went on, Emery started showing progress as a puck carrier, getting more comfortable moving pucks without panicking and even entering the offensive zone with the puck at times. He’ll never be a point producer in the NHL. His profile is clear as a shutdown defenseman who is tasked with heavy penalty kill duties and mostly defensive shifts. The Rangers staff and fans will love Emery, but for fantasy managers there isn’t much upside. Maybe for leagues that value hits and blocks a lot, but even then he’ll be a fringe option. Markus Kalmar

September 2025 – Emery competed in his first season of college hockey in 2024-25, appearing in 31 games with North Dakota. While known for his defensive play, and dealing, of course, with the adjustment to his new hockey environment, Emery posted only one assist, a somewhat alarming lack of production. Critics have noted, however, that his defensive play remains strong.

After acclimating to the college game, he hopes to show some improvement in his offensive game during his Sophomore season. If Emery is unable to hone that element of his game, he will prove to be a one- sided player, and a poor fantasy option in the future, if he is able to earn a spot in the NHL someday.

The right-shot defenseman is heading into a critical year in terms of his development in 2025-26. Brendan Ferry

January 2025 – Emery is playing in his first season of NCAA hockey with Denver, narrowly missing out on being named to Team USA for the World Junior tournament, as one of the final cuts.  Emery, known as a defensive-minded defenseman, has appeared in 21 games for the Pioneers this season, posting one assist.  This is a player that the Rangers organization holds in high esteem, and they envision him as a shutdown defender at the NHL level.  The team’s hierarchy will undoubtedly utilize a patient approach with Emery, as he is in a great situation in terms of development, under team USA World Junior head coach David Carle, in one of the top conferences in the NCAA.  The big righty will be given ample time to hone his craft at the collegiate level before he attempts to turn pro. Brendan Ferry

June 2024 – Emery was selected at pick 30 by the Rangers. Pat Quinn

February 2024 – Emery’s drop in our rankings from 27th to 43rd is based on two factors: other prospects have elevated their game, and Emery hasn’t as much over the past three months. Since our last rankings, Emery has only logged three points in 11 games, and although offense is not what he is known for, you want to see at least some form of adaptation to get more pucks to dangerous areas, and we just haven’t.

A fantastic skater with some of the best rush defending tools in this draft, Emery is still worth a shot as a second-rounder — he’s exploring with offense, though, which bodes well for his future on a second pair. If he can’t figure out what works and what doesn’t, there’s still a role for him as a bottom-pair rush specialist in the NHL. Hadi Kalakeche

February rankings: 43rd (-19)
November rankings: 27th