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Rangers select defenseman Alberts Smits with No. 5 pick in 2026 NHL Draft to fill need in retool

The New York Rangers drafted Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits with the fifth overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. The team selected Smits to address defensive needs during a retool. Smits has since appeared on the organization's development camp roster.

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What changed

The Rangers added Alberts Smits and Ben Macbeath to their roster via the 2026 NHL Draft.

Live updates

  1. Rangers Select Defenseman Alberts Smits With No. 5 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

    The New York Rangers drafted Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits with the fifth overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. The team selected Smits to address defensive needs during a retool. Smits has since appeared on the organization's development camp roster.

    What's confirmed:

    • The New York Rangers selected defenseman Alberts Smits with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    • Alberts Smits is a defenseman from Latvia.
    • The Rangers selected Ben Macbeath with the 64th overall pick.
    • The New York Rangers drafted a total of 9 players in the 2026 NHL Draft.
    • Alberts Smits stated, "I'm glad it turned out this way" regarding landing with the Rangers.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Chase Reid may not be a slam dunk draft pick for the Rangers.
    confidence 95%