Rangers see Albert Smits as rising two‑way force on blue line

· Yahoo Sports

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The New York Rangers used the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Albert 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 and the IIHF World Championship.

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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 lineup for the Blueshirts at some point during the 2026-27 season.

Here’s a breakdown of Smits’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as a couple of current NHL defenseman he’s comparable to.

Scouting Report: Albert Smits

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Smits is a poised, left-shot defenseman who leans on structure, reach and calm decision‑making to control play. He plays 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 mad 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 Smits is the right player for the 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 walks the blue line with confidence, 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.

What Smits still needs to work on

The 18-year-old’s biggest area needing improvement is his 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 he 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 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.

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