Rangers 1st Round Pick Dropped in the draft due to concerns regarding health
The New York Ranger's 30th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft was EJ Emery, a self-proclaimed K'Andre Miller fan, who modeled his game after the defenseman on the ice.
Many people concluded that Emery's selection was a coup, while others are suggesting there are other reasons Emery fell in the draft.
According to Elite Prospects, Emery was projected to go in the teens, during the NHL draft, they considered the selection a robbery.
The 6'3" 185 lb defenseman, from B.C., Canada has been a member of the US NDTP and played for U17 and U18 teams the past few years. He'd also score 6 points in 7 games for the US, during the World Juniors last year as well.
After being draft he would be ecstatic after being drafted by the Rangers:
«I would say I'm really good at being a lockdown guy, someone who can shut down plays, get the puck up the ice, and make plays,» Emery said via NHL.com. «I model my game after K'Andre Miller, so I'm not complaining about wearing this jersey.»
If Emery can continue to model his game after the Rangers defenseman, he shouldn't find it difficult to find a career on Broadway.
However, given the excitement surrounding Emery as a 1st round pick, it's been difficult to explain why he dropped so far until Elite Prospects would explain further.
According to the website, EP's own Sean Shapiro and Cam Robinson Emery fell in the draft due to a medical issue that was discovered during the NHL combine:
«According to multiple sources, teams that had EJ Emery higher on their rankings passed on the defender after learning about a medical issue at the draft combine in Buffalo,» Shapiro and Robinson reported.
Even with the medical issue, the value far outweighed the position which the Rangers drafted Emery in. At 30th overall, if Emery turns into the player the Rangers drafted him to be, he'll turn into a top talent.
Source: Empire Sports Media
Rangers' 1st-round pick reportedly fell in the draft due to medical concerns
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