Rangers Sign Alberts Smits to Entry-Level Contract

Less than three weeks since being selected fifth overall at the 2026 Entry Draft, Alberts Smits has signed his entry-level contract with the New York Rangers.

The highest drafted Latvian player in NHL history, Smits will have the opportunity to make the Rangers' opening night roster. Appearing in 38 games with Jukurit of SM-Liiga this season, Smits collected a six goals and seven assists for a total of 13 points. He would finish the season with Munich EHC in the DEL, registering one assist in five regular season games. Smits also picked up two goals and four assists for six total points in 11 postseason games.

His experience in playing in men's leagues overseas, as well as his experience with Team Latvia at the 2026 Milan Olympics (two assists in four games played), undoubtedly makes Smits one of the most NHL-ready prospects in this draft class. That combined with his 6-3, 205 pound build and his skating, puck moving, and all-around play abilities, made him a desirable player for the Rangers to target.

In the event he doesn't make the Rangers out of training camp or struggles at the start of the season, Smits will be eligible to join the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. Either way, the 18-year-old defenseman will be a Ranger for the next three years (and hopefully beyond) as he embarks on what is hoped to be a long, successful career in the National Hockey League.