The New York Rangers selected Alberts Smits with the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft. The Latvian defenseman has been tearing it up in Liiga for the past few years and was considered one of the better defensive prospects in this year's draft. He is a hulking 6'3", 205-pound, and is not afraid to use it. He also has elite offensive skills, being able to score and set up his teammates; he could be a steal for the Rangers. He will quickly establish himself as a top-pairing defenseman.
While there is a lot of excitement for Smits, a question has emerged. What does this mean for the future of Adam Fox? With trade rumors surrounding Fox and Smits potentially being in the NHL as soon as next season, many have wondered if Smits could be the replacement for Fox. But the smart move for the Rangers would be to pair the two on the top pairing. But what would this pairing look like, and how could they both benefit from it?
Adam Fox and Alberts Smits could be a dangerous combination
The biggest reason why Smits-Fox would be a good pairing is that Smits makes up for the one area Fox struggles in. Smits brings the size and physicality that we do not see from Fox. As mentioned before, Smits is not afraid to use his big frame to lay somebody out. This helps him make up for some of his defensive shortcomings and gives him confidence on the ice. He can focus on being the defensive guy in the pairing.
It's also something he can use to protect Fox. While he is good on both sides, Fox has always been stronger as an offensive playmaker. He's always able to find the opening teammate that sets the Rangers up for a goal. It's something he hasn't been able to focus on because he's been playing alongside someone who wasn't as strong defensively. Smits can end that and allow Fox to unlock another gear and become an even more productive player.
Fox has also seemed to do better when paired with a more defensive-minded player. Look at how he performed last season when he was paired with Vladislav Gavrikov. Had injuries not stopped him, he was on pace to record 79 points. This would have been the highest point total of his career. While Gavrikov is under until 2032, with him being 30 we could see a decline in his game. Smits can fill that role once it's clear that Gavrikov can no longer handle top-pairing minutes.
Although it may take a year or two, the Rangers could have the best pairing in all of hockey. Smits and Fox appear to be a match made in heaven, allowing each of them to focus on their strengths.
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