Alberts Šmits is quickly emerging as a strategic draft target for the Rangers in 2026

The 2026 NHL Draft has revolved around Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg and Keaton Verhoeff. But as the season has progressed, another name has risen toward the top of the next tier.

Alberts Šmits isn’t just rising quietly – he’s doing it on a stage for the world to see. 

The 6’3 Latvian defenseman started gaining serious momentum at the World Junior Championship in December, and he’s only added to it since. At 18 years old, he’s representing Latvia at the Olympics — the only draft-eligible player skating in the tournament. That alone speaks volumes about his skill and maturity.

Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury had a front row seat on Thursday in Milan, and is a name he should start getting familiar with. 

An Impressive Performance on the Olympic Stage

In Latvia’s 5–1 loss to Team USA, Šmits logged nearly 18 minutes of ice time and operated on the country’s top power-play unit — an incredibly rare ask for a teenager in a tournament featuring the best hockey players the world can offer.

Despite the lopsided score, he stood out.

Šmits showcased his high-end mobility, assertive puck carrying, a good first pass, and a willingness to engage physically against the elite. At one point, he even dropped Auston Matthews — who is a big man in his own right.

He closes gaps aggressively, defends with an active stick, and doesn’t shy away from contact. He can make an impact in all three zones - including a heavy shot from the point.

At the time of writing, Šmits has recorded his first point of the tournament, picking up an assist in a 4–3 win over Germany early Saturday morning.

World Juniors Drew Attention 

Šmits’ short Olympic showing thus far validates what many saw in December.

At the World Juniors, he was Latvia’s workhorse from the back end, recording five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in five games while playing heavy minutes in all situations. He wasn’t just stat padding, he was driving the bus for an undermanned team - even dragging a loaded Team Canada into overtime.

That tournament solidified him as a real top-10 consideration. 

If he goes that high, he would become the highest-drafted Latvian in history and only the second Latvian-born player ever selected in the first round, joining Zemgus Girgensons (first round, No. 14 overall).

Standing Out in Liiga

Beyond international play, Šmits has played a significant role for Jukurit in Liga — an encouraging sign for a player his age. Playing against men at 18 is no small assignment, especially on the back end.

Through 37 games, he’s tallied 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) while showing comfort involving himself offensively. More importantly, he hasn’t looked overwhelmed defensively. He has elite skating for his size and isn’t easy to push around - impressive for someone his age.

However, there are areas that will need improvement to become a top-pair defenseman in the NHL.

While a difference-making forward is arguably the organization’s biggest need, teams in their position cannot afford to draft exclusively by positional need. The Rangers need a surplus of talent anywhere they can get it. If Šmits continues on this trajectory, he may be the best player available when the Rangers are on the clock.

What This Means for the Rangers

The Rangers’ lottery position is fluid. With the eventual return of Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox, it’s safe to assume New York won’t bottom out completely. A top-3 pick is far from guaranteed.

While a difference-making forward is arguably the organization’s biggest need, teams in their position cannot afford to draft exclusively by positional need. The Rangers need a surplus of talent anywhere they can get it. If Šmits continues on this trajectory, he may be the best player available when the Rangers are on the clock.

And players with his size, mobility and experience don’t stay on the board long.

Albert Šmits may not have entered the season as one of the draft’s marquee names, but by July he might be impossible to pass on.