The Toronto Maple Leafs will pick 23rd in this year's NHL Entry Draft.
Because the Toronto Maple Leafs are picking 23rd, we thought it would be a fun idea to profile 23 potential draft picks they could make in that spot leading up to the draft.
One such player is EJ Emery.
EJ Emery could go anywhere at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, and for one reason. Many scouts seem uncertain over what kind of upside Emery has.
There's more certainty that Emery has a strong, NHL-level floor. The 6'3 defenseman excites over a strong defensive game and the ability to react quickly in his own end to plays, unfazed by opposing rush chances or sneak dangles.
The collectiveness of Emery's game easily makes it simple to see an NHL projection for Emery, someone who has the defensive composure to keep pucks away from danger and protect his team.
What's keeping him from being such a high draft pick is on the offensive side of things.