The New York Rangers' main move to address their defense was to use the fifth overall selection on one of the top prospects in the class. The Rangers drafted Alberts Smits, who was viewed as the most pro-ready prospect in the entire class. The expectation was that Smits could be thrusted into a top four defensive role on the Rangers.
But those plans have seemingly changed after the Rangers brought in Sean Durzi from the Utah Mammoth and Marcus Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. Now, Durzi and Pettersson appear to be locks for the team's second pair defensive duo. That, on paper, would leave Smits on the third pairing. But, that doesn't mean he'll be limited to that role.
The Athletic's Peter Baugh recently answered questions from fans in an article. When asked bout Smits potentially earning a spot on the roster, Baugh says that while he would likely be on the third pair, but he could earn extra time on special teams, or take some shifts with defensemen higher than him on the depth chart.
"...the third-pair left defense spot is probably the highest Smits would get with a fully healthy defensive corps. That would bump Matthew Robertson to the extra defenseman. But even if Smits is on the third pair, Sullivan could find ways to get him extra ice time, whether that’s by giving him special teams minutes or throwing him on the ice for occasional shifts with defensemen higher in the lineup," writes Baugh.
Alberts Smits could receive special teams roles during rookie season with Rangers
Even though it looks as though Smits could be locked out of top four minutes if he is to make the team out of training camp, he could see some other opportunities.
First up is on special teams, where he could play on the power play or the penalty kill. Top power play minutes could be out of the question, considering Adam Fox is the quarterback of that unit. Durzi could very well be the lone defenseman on the Rangers' second power play unit. But that's not to say that an opportunity for Smits won't arrive.
As for the penalty kill, he could very well earn a chance, considering it is a defenseman heavy unit regardless. Those chances may arrive if he is to fill in with Vladislav Gavrikov or Pettersson, who play on the left side, as does Smits.
Mike Sullivan could give Alberts Smits expanded minutes during the season
Besides special teams chances, there is the chance Smits could earn more minutes from head coach Mike Sullivan down the line. Those decisions could arrive during games, depending on how they go and what matchups Sullivan wants to utilize. Plus, if any of the top four defensemen are to miss time due to injury, Smits could move up the depth chart and thus earn more minutes. If he makes an impact, he could very well keep a spot ini the top four.
Smits has shown he is more than ready to play in the pros. After all, he did play in the professional leagues in Finland and Germany this past year. Of course, he received near critical acclaim for his performance in the Winter Olympics while playing for Latvia. This is why Smits' stock was so high entering the first round of the NHL Draft.
The Rangers had their choice of the top four defensemen prospects in the class, which included Chase Reid, Carson Carels, and Keaton Verhoeff. The Rangers were won over by Smits, and made the decision to draft him. Of course, there was debate about whether they made the right choice, especially for passing on Reid, who was viewed as the top overall defensive prospect.
But it's up to the Rangers and Smits to prove the critics wrong, and that they were right. This upcoming season will be too early to make a definitive statement. Smits is a rookie, and there will undoubtedly be growing pains. But the talk of whether or not the Rangers made the right decision will arrive after his first three years, especially when he's due for a new contract.
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