'top player out of that grouping'

Key Points:

• The New York Rangers selected defenseman Alberts Smits with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, prioritizing him over other top prospects like Chase Reid, Carson Carels, and Keaton Verhoeff due to his experience playing against professional competition and his well-rounded two-way game.
• Smits played in Finland’s Liiga and joined EHC Red Bull Munchen for the DEL playoffs this past season, also representing Latvia in major international tournaments, which helped prepare him for the next level.
• Rangers director of player personnel John Lilley emphasized that the team followed their season-long draft board strategy and praised Smits’ size, mobility, defensive skills, and offensive capabilities, projecting him as an excellent prospect for their system.
• Smits is expected to sign an entry-level contract this summer and attend Rangers training camp, but the organization has not set a timeline for his NHL debut, noting that roster competition among defensemen is strong and evolving.
• While the Rangers currently have established top-pair defensemen, Smits could earn a spot on the third pair if he impresses during camp and preseason, with potential to grow into a second-pair role as he develops.