Rangers see No. 5 overall pick Alberts Smits as 2‑way force on blue line
The New York Rangers used the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Alberts Smits, a defenseman from Latvia who played professionally in Finland and Germany this past season. Smits also wore his country’s colors at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the IIHF World Championship, and 2026 World Junior Championship.
One thing that had to attract Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury is that Smits more than held his own while playing against men in 2025-26, spending the regular season for Jukerit in Liiga, Finland’s top pro league, and then in the DEL playoffs in Germany after being loaned to EMC Munchen. Nothing is guaranteed, but it’s not impossible that Smits could be in the Rangers lineup next season since he’s considered the most NHL-ready defenseman in this year’s draft class.
“All I feel is excitement, so I’m not thinking too much about it. I’m not rushing anything right now. I’m living in this moment and just happy that I ended up taken by a good organization,” Smits told reporters on a conference call. “So, we’ll see how things are going to turn out in the future.”
Here’s a breakdown of Smits’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as a couple of current NHL defenseman he’s comparable to.
Scouting Report: Alberts Smits
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Smits is a poised, left-shot defenseman who leans on structure, reach and calm decision‑making to control play. He has a composed, economical game that’s built around strong positioning and a reliable first pass, rarely putting himself in situations where he has to scramble.
Smits closes space with a long stride, keeps tight gaps and forces opponents into the outside lanes, where he can separate them from the puck cleanly. He’s steady and efficient with the puck — moves it early, doesn’t overhandle and consistently makes the correct read under pressure.
His offensive game is still developing — he had six goals and 13 points in 38 games for Jukerit. But he shows flashes when he walks the blue line or steps into a lane with a heavy, low shot. Smits projects as a stabilizing, minutes‑eating defender whose ceiling will rise as his confidence and footwork continue to improve.
Why Alberts Smits is right player for Rangers
Smits brings a modern, composed style that fits the direction NHL teams want their defensemen trending. He plays a controlled, efficient game, relying on strong positioning and a long reach to shut down zone entries rather than chasing hits. His first pass is one of his defining strengths — crisp, accurate and delivered under pressure — allowing his team to transition quickly.
He also shows flashes of offensive upside. Smits is confident, keeps pucks alive and has a hard, low shot that creates rebounds and tips. Coaches trust him in all situations because he rarely forces plays and understands risk management. For a team like the Rangers that’s seeking a stabilizing presence with room to grow, Smits checks every box.
He is a very mature 18-year-old, and extremely confident after holding his own against grown men and professionals this past year.
What Alberts Smits must work on
The biggest area needing improvement is Smits’ footwork, particularly his acceleration out of pivots. While he moves well in straight lines, quicker forwards can catch him flat-footed when the play turns rapidly. He needs to improve his first three strides to help him defend the rush more consistently.
In addition, Smits also needs to add more assertiveness with the puck. He sees the ice well — but can defer too often, passing up shooting lanes or delaying decisions. As he gains confidence, scouts want to see him dictate play rather than simply manage it.
Who Alberts Smits plays like
Smits’ game draws natural comparisons to Jonas Brodin (Minnesota Wild) — a smooth, positionally sound defender who relies on angles, stick detail and transition play rather than physical dominance. Like Brodin, Smits projects as a player who can log heavy minutes, kill penalties and quietly drive results without needing the spotlight.
Some evaluators also see shades of Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights) in his frame, stride and ability to move pucks efficiently. If his offensive confidence continues to grow, that comparison becomes even more realistic.
Smits likes the comparison to Moritz Seider, the Detroit Red Wings stud defenseman. That works too.
