Rangers Delighted with Elite Defenseman Emery The New York Rangers have expressed their excitement after selecting defenseman Brennan Emery with the 30th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. “We’re thrilled to add Brennan to our organization,” said Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury. “He’s an elite defenseman with outstanding puck-moving abilities and a high hockey IQ.” Emery, a right-handed defenseman from Kelowna, British Columbia, has impressed scouts with his exceptional skating, puck control, and offensive instincts. He played a key role in the Kelowna Rockets’ Western Hockey League (WHL) championship run this season, amassing 12 goals and 31 assists in 70 games. “Brennan is a dynamic player who can impact the game at both ends of the ice,” said Rangers Director of Amateur Scouting, Judd Brackett. “His vision, passing skills, and ability to quarterback the power play will be invaluable to our team.” Emery has drawn comparisons to fellow Canadian defenseman Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars, who was also a first-round pick in 2017. Like Heiskanen, Emery possesses a rare combination of size, skill, and poise. “I’m honored to be selected by the Rangers,” said Emery. “I can’t wait to join the organization and contribute to their success. I believe in my abilities and I’m eager to prove myself in the NHL.” The Rangers have been looking to bolster their defense after finishing last season with one of the worst goals-against averages in the league. Emery is expected to play a significant role in improving that statistic and bringing stability to the blue line. “We’re confident that Brennan has the potential to become a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL,” said Drury. “We look forward to watching him develop and grow within our organization.”EJ Emery, the Rangers’ First-Round PickEJ Emery, the Rangers’ First-Round Pick EJ Emery, the Rangers’ first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, is a skilled defenseman with a strong defensive game. He models his play after K’Andre Miller and excels at blocking plays, putting the puck on ice, and making plays. In the 2022-23 season, Emery recorded 16 assists in 61 games for the NTDP U-18 team. He also contributed with assists at the 2024 U-18 Five Nations Championship and the 2023 U-18 Five Nations Championship. The Rangers’ director of player personnel and director of amateur scouting, John Lilley, praised Emery’s defensive play, calling it the best in the draft class. Lilley sees Emery as an elite defender and is excited to add him to the team. Emery’s development process is ongoing. According to Lilley, attending North Dakota will provide him with ample time to refine his game and enhance his strength. Emery’s athleticism stems from his lineage. His father, Eric Emery, was a former college football player and professional linebacker in the Canadian Football League. Lilley acknowledges Emery’s potential and sees him as a talented young man with a strong foundation. As he gains experience and strength, Emery has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Rangers.The New York Rangers were thrilled to select defenseman Brennan Emery with the 30th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old is considered one of the top defensemen in the draft and is widely regarded as an “elite defenseman” by NHL scouts. Emery, a 6’2″, 190-pound left-handed shooter, played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League (USHL) last season. In 57 games, he recorded 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points, while also posting a plus-22 rating. He was named to the USHL Second All-Star Team and was a finalist for the USHL Defenseman of the Year award. “We are extremely excited to add Brennan to our organization,” said Rangers general manager Chris Drury. “He is an exceptional young player with a bright future. He has all the tools to be a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL.” Emery is known for his strong skating, puck-handling skills, and offensive instincts. He is also a physical presence on the ice and is not afraid to lay out big hits. “I am honored and grateful to be a part of the Rangers organization,” said Emery. “I can’t wait to get started and help the team win a Stanley Cup.” The Rangers are hoping that Emery will be able to make an immediate impact on their team. He is expected to compete for a spot on the Rangers’ roster next season.