Rookie Defenseman Alberts Smits Impresses Rangers Veterans Ahead of Opening Night
The fifth overall draft pick has generated significant buzz and positive feedback from teammates, fueling speculation about his immediate roster spot.
Rangers rookie defenseman Alberts Smits has made a strong impression on veteran teammates, with some believing he has earned a spot on the opening night roster. Smits, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, has garnered attention since before training camp began. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin expressed his hope that the 18-year-old defenseman would make the team early in the sessions. Smits further bolstered his case with a strong preseason debut, recording an assist and demonstrating solid defensive play against the Islanders at Madison Square Garden.
Alberts Smits, standing at 6-foot-3 and having represented Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics, is considered one of the most NHL-ready prospects from his draft class. His size and experience have contributed to the growing anticipation surrounding his potential inclusion on the New York Rangers' roster.
With the team facing upcoming roster cuts and potential assignments to AHL Hartford within the next five days, Smits’ immediate future will become clearer. While the reality of waiver exemption will be weighed against his early performances, his partner on the third defensive pairing, Braden Schneider, believes Smits has done enough to warrant playing on opening night. "I definitely think he’s earned the chance to play opening night," Schneider stated. "I hope he gets that chance, because he’s done really well."