Get to know Rangers newest elite defenseman EJ Emery: K'Andre Miller 2.0

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Joshua Deeds
June 29, 2024 (8:59 PM)

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EJ Emery will get the unique opportunity to play alongside the player, who he modeled his game after: K'Andre Miller.

«So, you know, I'm not complaining about wearing this jersey right now,» Emery said. «I haven't met him yet, but hopefully soon.»

The Rangers are one of the top organizations in the NHL, and Emery was thrilled to be able to put the jersey on, and soon will be able to learn from one of his favorite plays in the game.

The Rangers are lucky to have found another stay at home defenseman who will make the team that much harder to play again.

The towering 6'3", 185 pound defenseman is a strong skater and has a top-notch defensive game:

«Emery's defensive IQ remains his biggest strength,» The Hockey Writers' Peter Baracchini wrote. «He's got great awareness to anticipate and break up plays defending the rush and to get into lanes and disrupt plays. He excels at giving opponents very little space to work with, keeping them to the outside and not let them into the middle.

Not only that he has skills to help transition to offense quickly as well:

«As a result, that allows him to have a strong transition game and be a factor offensively with his breakouts. He's got great mobility and speed for his size and while his offensive production may not jump off the page, he gets more involved than you think, leading rushes and getting pucks on net.»

The defenseman played 61 games with the NTDP last season, posting 16 assists, and has committed to the NCAA's University of North Dakota next year.

New #NYR EJ Emery says he models his game after K'Andre Miller

GM Chris Drury and the Rangers were keeping an eagle eye view on Emery as the draft progressed and were happy to secure him later in the 1st round.

«He was a guy we had high on our list,» Blueshirts' Director of Player Personnel and Amateur Scouting John 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

Emery's potential should excite Rangers fans everywhere, as he could make an NHL appearance in due time.

Source: The Hockey News
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