The New York Rangers entered training camp with not many position battles. For the most part, the Opening Night roster is set, other than determining who will be on the fourth line and how many goalies they'll bring into the 2026-27 season. But there was a debate as to what the Rangers would do as the bottom pair, left-side defenseman. Would they consider giving the spot to fifth-overall pick Alberts Smits?
There was a lot of debate regarding what they should do with Smits He was viewed a the most pro-ready prospect in the entire 2026 draft class. But, with Smits path to the Top 4 being blocked by the new additions of Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson, would the Rangers send Smits down to the AHL for a bit to start the season?
Well, Smits is making it difficult for the Rangers to even consider sending him to play for the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Alberts Smits' shines in preseason debut for Rangers
Since the start of training camp, head coach Mike Sullivan gave Smits the chance as the left-side defenseman on the bottom pair alongside Braden Schneider. He has held onto that role ever since, but he had his first true chance to show what he can bring in a game on Tuesday when the Rangers hosted the rival Islanders.
Smits looked comfortable on the ice, showing his ability to knock the puck away from an opponent skating in the Rangers' zone and using his 6'3", 208-pound frame to completely shut down the puck-carrier. That was just on defense. On offense, he showed off his powerful shot and his vision to find the open skater. The latter was shown when he found Taylor Raddysh having an open chance in front of the net, with Smits passing it to him and the forward finishing it off with a deflection to give the Rangers a 3-0 lead.
Again, Smits is a rookie, and there is always room for him to grow, but it's hard not to feel excited about his potential on the Rangers. It appears that he has a fan in Sullivan.
Mike Sullivan praise of Alberts Smits in preseason debut means he may have Opening Night roster spot locked in
After the game, Sullivan was asked about how Smits played on the third pairing. Sullivan believed that Smits had a "strong game" and said that the Rangers were "encouraged by his performance." Sullivan praised his size, mobility, and reach with the stick.
"One of the biggest challenges for young players is just the physical size and strength of the guys in this league. You guys can see it - he's a man as an 18-year-old. His physical stature, he's big and strong," said Sullivan.
Smits had strong appeal as a draft prospect not only because of his frame, but also due to his playing experience. Smits didn't play primarily in the amateur leagues. He played in the top professional leagues in Finland and Germany. Then, he played for Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics, and played well when facing off against, primarily, NHL players. Hence why the Rangers were so infatuated to take Smits over the likes of other top defensive prospects in Chase Reid and Carson Carels.
Given Sullivan's comments and the short period of time between the presesaon and the regular season, it appears that Smits is a lock to make the Opening Night roster. Matthew Robertson, who was really the main competition for Smits for the bottom pairing defenseman spot, looks to be on the outside looking in. Robertson is more likely to serve as the seventh defenseman on the roster, given how well Smits has played.
Sure, there are benefits for sending a top prospect down to the minor leagues to ensure they get some reps in before making the pros. But with Smits, it appears that he's more than ready to not only contribute, but also be a key cog in New York's defensive overhaul.
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