The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Alberts Smits to a three-year entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday. Smits, selected fifth overall in the recent NHL Draft, attended the club's prospect development camp earlier this month.

The 18-year-old Latvian defenseman is expected to compete for a spot in the Rangers' lineup during training camp in September. Smits comes to North America after playing in the Finnish Elite League and Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga, leagues where he played against older, professional players.

Smits was considered one of the more NHL-ready defensemen in this year's draft class, a narrative that followed him throughout the draft process. His readiness was a key talking point, with scouts impressed by his performance against older competition.

Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury emphasized a patient approach to Smits' development. "Well, there’s not too many kids his age drafted who have played in two different men’s pro leagues, Olympics, World Championships," Drury said. "Certainly isn’t getting in bigger stages than those events he participated in. We’re excited where we got him. We think he’s obviously a terrific prospect, but with that said, we’re going to do right by him and the long-term health and well-being of him as a Ranger."

Drury added, "This is not a sprint for him. We hope he’s a rock-solid defenseman for the Rangers for the next 15 years. We’re not going to put him in positions or situations that he can’t handle."

Given the Rangers' current defensive depth, it is possible Smits could begin his North American career with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. He could be recalled later in the season if injuries or performance necessitate.

During development camp, Director of Player Development Tanner Glass noted Smits' maturity. "Some of the detail to his game is certainly impressive and probably beyond his years," Glass said. "He’s got some habits that you see in people that are much more mature. The way he surrounds the puck, the way he moves the puck, the way he kind of commands the ice. He’s confident in his ability and he has a commanding presence on the ice, which is really nice to see at that age."

Smits plans to focus on various areas of his game during the offseason and will return to New York later this summer for continued training. He did not offer specific expectations for himself or predictions for the upcoming season.