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Smits Ready to Shine for Rangers | New York Rangers News
The New York Rangers made a bold move by selecting Latvia’s Alberts Smits fifth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft — the highest-drafted Latvian ever — seen as the most NHL-ready defenseman in this year’s class. With their blue line in need of depth, the Rangers wisely paired Smits with veteran signings Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi, giving him room to develop in the AHL while still keeping an eye on a potential early NHL debut. Already a standout with four World Championship assists and top-tier European experience, Smits is primed to slot in as the third lefty defenseman behind Gavrikov and…
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