VEGAS, Nevada – EJ Emery went 30th overall to the New York Rangers in the 2024 NHL Draft. 

It’s a steal for New York, snagging a defender that many teams had ranked in the teens on their boards and was a physical beast at the combine. 

Leading up to the draft, scouts and executives from multiple teams told EP Rinkside how much they were impressed with both the player and the person. 

So why did he fall to No. 30?

According to multiple sources, teams that had Emery higher on their rankings passed on the defender after learning about a medical issue at the draft combine in Buffalo. It should be noted that the medical condition didn’t stop Emery from performing well at the combine or continuing his offseason training program. 

Teams wouldn’t classify it as career-altering, but it did turn Emery in