Smits Ready to Shine in Rangers Camp | New York Rangers News

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On September 17th, all right, so the Rangers are getting ready for training camp, and there's buzz about Alberts Smits, their first round pick. Coach Mike Sullivan is saying, Smits has a real shot at making the team this year. They've been watching him, and they think he's physically ready to make the jump to the pros.

Smits has been playing in some tough men's leagues overseas, in Germany and Finland, which has really helped him develop against bigger, faster guys. He was even the youngest player at the 2026 Olympics, where he put up a couple of assists. That kind of experience is huge. Now the Rangers' defense is looking pretty solid, maybe a little crowded. But if Smits balls out in camp, he could definitely earn himself a spot. Maybe even playing with Braden Schneider on the third pairing. It's all about what's best for his development, short-term and long-term, according to the coach.

Sullivan mentioned they'll be watching Smits closely during camp, going up against the veteran players.

His performance will ultimately decide where he fits in and what the best path forward is for him to keep growing into the player. Everyone expects him to be. So it's going to be interesting to see how Smits handles the pressure and if he can prove he belongs.

The organization is clearly high on him, and it seems like they're ready to give him a real opportunity to show what he's got. Stay locked in with New York Rangers News Today, AI-powered updates.