The Toronto Maple Leafs could use defense with a lack of depth options on the Leafs blueline. Topi Niemela is Toronto's top prospect, but seems close to graduating to the big club. 2023 pick Noah Chadwick has had a breakout year, but is still a bit away from being an option.
EJ Emery, a defenseman with the United States National Team Development Program (NTDP), has become a player many fans in Toronto are talking about. The 6'2 right-handed defenseman was a dynamo with the American U18's, showing defensive maturity far beyond his years, along with good skating for his size and puck mobility skills. Emery's athleticism and workhorse mentality makes him an exciting draft eligible prospect. Articles have raved about his defensive game.
The only downside to Emery's game is that he's a purely defensive player. He's not overly offensive, but he does well staying behind to keep his end safe. He played well with fellow draft eligible Cole Hutson in allowing the offensive-minded Hutson to play on offense, with Emery the defensive defender.
The Leafs, who have the 23rd pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, could take the big, athletic defender in Emery, adding some size to the right side of their D pipeline. Emery is ranked as high as 17th by Craig Button.
