Who Is Alberts Smits? Meet the New York Rangers’ Fifth Overall Pick
Written By Gina Anton
When the New York Rangers selected Alberts Smits with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, they added one of the most intriguing defensemen in the class.
Rather than selecting a forward, New York invested in a player who had already gained valuable experience against professional competition despite being just 18 years old. Smits became the second international player selected in the draft and the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history, marking a significant milestone for both the prospect and his country.
For Rangers fans still learning about their newest top prospect, Smits brings a rare combination of size, skill, and maturity that could make him a key part of the organization’s future.
A Unique Path to the NHL
Born in Valmiera, Latvia, Smits has taken a different development path than many players his age.
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound left-shot defenseman spent his draft season playing professional hockey in Europe with Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga, where he recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 49 games against experienced competition.
He also showcased his offensive ability at the junior level, posting 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 29 games with Jukurit’s U20 team.
That combination of professional experience and offensive production helped establish Smits as one of the top defensemen available in the 2026 draft.
Experience Beyond His Years
Smits’ résumé extends beyond club hockey.
During the 2025-26 season, he represented Latvia at the Winter Olympics, IIHF World Championship, and World Junior Championship, an impressive accomplishment for a draft-eligible player.
That international experience is one of the biggest reasons the Rangers believe he is prepared for the next level.
“There’s not many kids his age drafted who have played in two different men’s pro leagues, Olympics, World Championships,” Rangers general manager Chris Drury said. “Certainly it doesn’t get bigger stages than those events he participated in.”
What Smits Brings to New York
While his size immediately stands out, Smits’ game is built around his ability to impact the game in all three zones.
He is a mobile, two-way defenseman who combines strong skating, defensive awareness, and puck-moving ability. His skating allows him to close gaps quickly and defend against opposing forwards, while his hockey IQ helps him anticipate plays and make quick decisions with the puck.
Offensively, Smits has shown confidence creating plays from the blue line. His shot, passing ability, and willingness to join the rush give him the tools to contribute beyond his defensive responsibilities.
His well-rounded skill set fits the modern NHL game and gives the Rangers a player with top-pairing potential.
The Future of the Rangers’ Blue Line
The Rangers entered the 2026 NHL Draft looking to strengthen their long-term core, and Smits represented an opportunity to add a potential cornerstone defenseman.
Although New York will not rush his development, his experience against professional competition gives him a foundation that few prospects possess. His transition to North American hockey will be closely watched, but the organization believes it has found a player capable of anchoring its blue line for years to come.
For Rangers fans, Alberts Smits is more than just a fifth overall pick. He is a rare prospect with an advanced résumé, a complete skill set, and the opportunity to become one of the faces of the franchise’s future.
