Rangers Draft Top Latvian Defense Prospect | New York Rangers News

**Corey** (0:00)
It's July 15th. I'm Corey with the story, and this is New York Rangers News Today. AI powered updates on your squad. The New York Rangers just locked down a young defenseman named Alberts Smits. He's 18 years old and signed a three-year deal.
This kid is already making waves, putting up solid numbers in the finish league, Liga, where he was second in points for players under 18
He also got some ice time in Germany and with his country's junior teams.
Smits was a big pick for the Rangers, going fifth overall in the 2026 NHL entry draft. That makes him the highest drafted Latvian player ever, which is a pretty big deal. He's got the size too, standing six foot three and weighing 205 pounds. He's already got international experience under his belt. Smits was the youngest player at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan. He also suited up for Latvia in the world championships and various junior tournaments, even serving as an alternate captain for the U2T team. Looking back at his stats, he's been consistent. Over two seasons in Liiga, he put out 15 points in 47 games. And with the U20 squad, he was even more prolific, scoring 10 goals and 9 assists in 26 games. So the Rangers are betting on this young talent to contribute to their blue line for years to come. It'll be interesting to see how he develops and makes the jump to the NHL level.