Fans can be excited about the upside in EJ’s game. He’s a player who can seamlessly play in almost every situation and is still growing into his lanky frame. He’d had some PP time and uses his reach and quick flick of his stick to facilitate side to side while also offering a quality release shot. I love the way he attempts to sneak back door and doesn’t hesitate on one-timer quick-strike plays. Most of his skills just need time to continue to be refined. Due to the length of his stride, he has the potential of being a one-man transition style defender one day due to his top end speed and ability to shift his weight laterally. As long as you’re ok with the hiccups along the way, EJ is a good swing for the fence.

A solid defensive performance with great contributions in transition. Emery’s highlight play was a beautiful one touch pass up the ice to spring Pardue for a breakaway goal, but he was a suffocating defensive presence that didn’t sacrifice offensive or transitional opportunities whenever they appeared.

EJ Emery plays the type of game that you don’t often notice, and I mean this in a very positive way. Emery was the details guy that Team USA needed in this game, the one who didn’t go for the flashy plays but instead played reliably and made quick, smart, impactful decisions in brief timing windows. He recognizes where play must go next for Team USA to get up ice and makes every decision with the intention of getting the puck there. Combine this simple, effective game with apt defensive play through his positioning and stickwork and you have a reliable defender who can eat minutes.

I think you can clearly see where the progression of EJ will come from. A lot of his improvements will come simply from adding strength to his core and lower body. His stance can be a touch awkward at times but his top speed is top end. He’s got great control on his passes and zone exits by implementing his carving while protecting the puck with his reach. He seems like he watches the game unfold carefully and allows him to use his curls and shot choices from the point in well-timed moments. He can quarterback a powerplay, penetrate the zone by shifting his weight side by side, and can pass accurately off the forehand and backhand. He has a lot of fundamentals and looks to be an overall smart player. He can be developed nicely.