Rangers Draft Smits for Two-Way Impact

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On June 28th, the New York Rangers snagged Alberts Smits with the fifth overall pick in the NHL draft.
Scouts were hyping him up all season, especially his experience playing against grown men in Finland's Pro League. They liked that he could handle himself and thrive even when the pressure was on, facing players with NHL and AHL experience. This kid's got a complete game too. He's not just a one-trick pony. He defends hard, has a good shot, and can move the puck offensively. He represented Latvia in some big international tournaments, including the Olympics, which shows he's ready for the spotlight.
Now, not everyone was sold on the pick. Some fans really wanted them to take Chase Reid, who ended up going a couple of picks later.
But the Rangers' brass stuck to their guns, trusting their draft board and believing Smits was their guy all along. Smits himself feels that playing against pros prepared him for this next step. He's looking to sign his entry-level deal this summer and join the team for training camp in September. The organization isn't rushing him though. They'll let him develop at his own pace. He's got the size and the mobility, and his two-way game is what really impressed everyone. He's being compared to some solid NHL defenseman. And while the Rangers have a crowded blue line, he's got a real shot to make an impact. That's your New York Rangers News Today update. AI powered and always on.