The New York Rangers have selected defenseman Alberts Šmits with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Šmits, a 6-foot-3, 209-pound defenseman, is the No. 2-ranked international skater per NHL Central Scouting.
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“Šmits is a tall defenseman with impressive mobility and smarts,” The Athletic’s Corey Pronman writes. “He can make a reliable first pass and has a big point shot, projecting to have quality amounts of offense at the top level. He isn’t a super smart puck-mover, but there’s enough touch in his game to project to be reliable with the puck in the NHL.
“He defends very well due to his length and feet, while also competing hard and being willing to play the body. He projects as a top-pairing defenseman.”
The 18-year-old defenseman was the youngest player at the 2026 Winter Olympics, representing Latvia and recording two assists in four games while averaging 18:44 minutes per game.
Many consider Šmits to be the most pro-ready defenseman in this year’s class.
In 38 games for Jukurit in Liiga, Finland’s top league, Šmits recorded six goals, seven assists, and 13 points.
