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The New York Rangers drafted defenseman Alberts Smits with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday.
Smits was ranked the No. 2 international skater by NHL Central Scouting behind forward Ivar Stenberg. He becomes the highest-drafted Latvian in NHL history, surpassing Zemgus Girgensons, who was taken 14th overall in 2012.
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound blue-liner played most of the season in Finland's pro league. Smits accumulated six goals and 13 points in 38 games before he moved to the German league late in the campaign. He had one assist in five games with Munich, then added six points in 11 playoff contests.
Smits represented Latvia at the Olympics, plus the top division of the world junior and World Championship this year. He's only the second player to play in all three tournaments in one season, joining Evgeni Malkin, who did it in 2006.
Smits had five points in five games at the world juniors in January, two assists in four contests at the Olympics in February, and four assists in eight games at the World Championship in May.
"He combines size, mobility, and poise far beyond his years," NHL director of European scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said. "He has logged over 20 minutes of ice time regularly, with dominant performances that showcase confidence and control throughout. A strong skater with excellent balance and surprising acceleration, he transitions smoothly from defense to offense, often leading the rush himself. His hockey IQ is exceptional, as evidenced by his ability to read plays, make intelligent first passes, and position himself effectively in both zones."
