The New York Rangers were given an opportunity they didn't expect when it was time to make their selection at No. 5 overall during Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft, and the team's director of pro scouting has defended what is being looked at as a controversial decision. The move in question was selecting Alberts Smits over Chase Reid, but according to John Lilley, the Rangers wouldn't have had it either way.
"Smits was the best player available"
Lilley was available to the media after the Rangers made their first pick, and he was instantly asked about the team's decision to pass on Reid, a player many analysts felt was the best defender in the draft.
Via Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic, "Smits was the best player available in their minds. Asked about the decision to pass on Chase Reid, he said, "We have a process that we go through and build a list throughout the year. There were a lot of great options."
Lilley was also happy to point out that Smits is an excellent prospect, and he's confident in Mike Sullivan and Chris Drury's ability to get him ready.
Lilley on Šmits' NHL readiness: "That’ll take care of itself. That’s not up to me. That’s something that (Chris Drury) and (Mike Sullivan) will figure out as we move forward. But he’s an excellent prospect and we’re thrilled to get him."#NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) June 27, 2026
Rangers encouraged by his international performance
Smits was a very busy player this year, and he represented his country both at the Olympics and the World Championships. His performance in those international tournaments stood out, and the brain trust in encouraged by how he held his own against older players.
Lilley said, "His body of work this year at every level — the pro league in Finland, right through — he played against men. Handling himself as well as he did and thriving in hostile environments against NHL-type players, or older professional players in Europe with NHL and AHL experience in North America, certainly helped his cause."
To Rangers credit, Reid continued to fall
While it is possible the Calgary Flames were keyed in on Carson Carels from the beginning, Reid was there for the taking at No. 6 overall is well. To this point, there's also been no reporting that a team tried to trade up to No. 7 to grab Reid while he was still available. Additionally, the Sharks taking Ivar Stenberg at No. 2 overall and then getting Keaton Verhoeff at No. 9, and Buffalo passing on Reid at No. 4 speaks to how he was viewed as a prospect.
In any case, the Rangers weren't the only team to make this decision, and Smits looked to be their guy from the start. He's a player who can fill a big organizational need long term, and credit to the Rangers for identifying a guy early, drafting him when he was available, and staying true to their conviction even when a different opportunity presented itself.
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