https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/rangers-select-defenseman-alberts-smits-with-no-5-pick-in-2026-nhl-draft-to-fill-need-in-retoolContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/rangers-select-defenseman-alberts-smits-with-no-5-pick-in-2026-nhl-draft-to-fill-need-in-retoolhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/rangers-select-defenseman-alberts-smits-with-no-5-pick-in-2026-nhl-draft-to-fill-need-in-retool#u23333Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:41:36 +0000The 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