New York Rangers top defensive prospect cracks Team USA's 2026 World Juniors preliminary roster
Photo credit: Amy C. Irvin/The Hockey Writers
Team USA's 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship preliminary roster has been released today. One addition on the list was 30th overall pick of the New York Rangers, defenseman E.J. Emery.
The New York Rangers have a star in E.J. Emery.
Emery was selected 30thoverall in the 1st-round of the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas. He has done well to earn a spot on Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships.
Not known for his offensive upside, the University of North Dakota defenseman has scored 4 points (2-2) in 13 games for the team in the NCHC.
Team USA has announced their preliminary roster for the 2026 World Juniors 👀
The true potential of defenseman E.J. Emery, a prospect of the New York Rangers, has yet to be seen
The 6-foot-3 right-shot defensman has a lot of developing to do, and playing against his international peers could be an indicator of how he's grown over the past year.
Per Adam Kimelman of NHL.com:
"Emery (6-3, 183) impressed with his high-end athleticism during the NHL Scouting Combine, after already standing out with his smarts, skating and defensive ability. The 18-year-old right-handed shot likely won't be a big offensive contributor but should develop into a very good complement to a high-end offensive-minded defenseman."
The young right-shot defenseman has 44 games of collegiate play under his belt.
He's not expected to be a huge contributor to the scoresheet on a nightly basis, but where he'll definitely want to be game to game? Clogging up passing zones and shutting down the opposition by throwing hits.
Emery was drafted in the Las Vegas Sphere in 2024 and mentioned K'Andre Miller as one of his biggest influences in the sport of hockey.
Can he develop into more than just a defensive defenseman?
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 1 | 61 ANSWERS New York Rangers top defensive prospect cracks Team USA's 2026 World Juniors preliminary roster Do you think defenseman EJ Emery, a New York Rangers prospect, will earn a gold medal with Team USA? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 72.1 % |
| No | 17 | 27.9 % |
| List of polls | ||