Rangers defense prospect EJ Emery has made Team USA for the 2026 World Juniors, which kicks off today in Minnesota. Emery, the Rangers’ 1st round pick in 2024 (30th overall), has started to make waves as one of the best young defensive defenseman in the NCAAs. Emery isn’t flashy, he’s just really good. He skates well, has tremendous hockey IQ, reads plays well, and makes a solid outlet pass. He’s not going to put up big numbers, but he’s going to shut down the opposition’s best.

Emery, the Rangers best RHD prospect in the system, has a respectable 2-2-4 in 17 games with the University of North Dakota this season, given his role and skill set. Emery isn’t spoken about much because he’s not going to score a ton, but he shouldn’t be slept on.

Emery, for the record, is a primary reason why Braden Schneider is becoming more of a luxury for the Rangers than a must keep. You don’t just trade a Braden Schneider, but he’s no longer the untouchable asset he was just two seasons ago.

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