Conventional wisdom says even shutdown defencemen need to score in junior, but there are some exceptions.

The exceptions usually have a few elements: mobility, reach, and enough skill to limit needless battles. Think Brady Skjei Dylan Samberg, Josh Manson, or even Alex Vlasic, all of whom scored little while advancing the ranks but still became impactful NHLers regardless. 

EJ Emery could be next. 

He had just 16 assists and zero goals in 61 games this season, yet the probability that he will carve out a lengthy NHL career seems almost certain. 

Here's how he does it. 

Infinite range and surfing skill

Emery certainly has NHL tools, and then some. He's a powerful open-ice skater, but it's really the first-step quickness, fluid pivots, and instant access to his outside edges that drive his mobilit