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Smits: The Rangers' Next Defense Cornerstone | NHL News
The New York Rangers just pulled off a bold move by selecting 18-year-old Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits fifth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft—and they’re already calling him a potential cornerstone for the next 15 years. Standing 6’3” and packing 205 pounds, Smits has already battled in Finland, Germany, and on Olympic and World Championship stages, often alongside NHL veterans. His first Rangers camp revealed more than just raw talent—he’s got elite hockey sense, a calm command of the ice, and a work ethic that’s already earning rave reviews. While the Rangers are taking a patient…
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