After the first day of training camp, the New York Rangers are starting to settle in nicely with their new additions this summer. One of those additions was defenseman Alberts Smits, who had some nice reviews following his first big day in the NHL.
First look at Alberts Šmits with the veterans. #NYR pic.twitter.com/gtlonrYIGZ
— Remy Mastey (@MasteyRemy) September 17, 2026
When looking at his anticipated trajectory to the opening night lineup, there are a few things to consider here. The blue line is pretty much all knotted up with the other two new guys, Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi. Plus, we cannot forget the stellar showing that Matthew Robertson had in 2025-26.
Can Smits rise above the worry and push past the obstacle in his way to make the opening-night roster later this month? Let's talk about it.
Path to being green-lit
As for Smits, he has already started doing the right things. He has shown Head Coach Mike Sullivan and President and General Manager Chris Drury that he checks all of the boxes. Sullivan even stated that there is a chance for him to make the NHL this season, but he is exercising caution in doing so.
Sullivan noted that Alberts Šmits seems like he's physically ready to handle the NHL, but also stressed they're going to keep the big picture in mind in deciding what's next after camp.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 16, 2026
"We have to make sure that we do the right thing for him."#NYR
We will have to wait and see how the rest of training camp goes, and for how many games Smits will appear with the Rangers this preseason. It would be a great idea to see him suit up for 16 minutes or more a night for all four games, as that would accurately gauge where his in his development.
Is it worth it?
The ultimate question here is figure out if it is worth fast-tracking the fifth-overall selection of the 2026 NHL Draft. There is no way to tell if giving him an early look at regular-season action will help or hurt him, but at this stage of the retooling phase, why not let the kid go out there and give it his best.
Robertson earned his way onto this team following last season's performance, but can he do it again? The top-four is locked up, and only one lefty can go on that third line. These scrimmages are so important, and the preseason will be a heated battle between Smits and Robertson for that final spot.
The Rangers have a good problem on their hands with having not only one, but two capable defensemen to man the third-line, and competition is a very good thing to have at this early stage of the season. But, Sullivan is going to have to make the call on who stays and who goes to Hartford.
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