The IIHF World Junior Championship is more than a holiday tournament — it’s a glimpse into the future and a chance to see NHL prospects tested on an international stage. This year, the New York Rangers top defenseman prospect EJ Emery shares in that spotlight, looking to help the United States in its bid to win a third straight World Junior title.
Emery, New York’s first-round pick (No. 30 overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, is not one to seek the spotlight, though. Instead, the 19-year-old follows a quieter, more deliberate path. So, as Team USA looks to defend its consecutive goal medals, Emery arrives not as a novelty, but as a player valued for precision, composure, and reliability in demanding moments.