With the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers take Alberts Smits. Smits was the most NHL ready defenseman on the board, even if Chase Reid was still available with the highest ceiling. Listening to Meghan Chayka on the broadcast, he could turn into a #1 defenseman. Per Will, Smits is an elite skater and has all the makings of a top NHL defenseman.
It’s hard to get that excited given Reid was on the board, but Smits is a solid pick who could be in the lineup on opening night. It’s worth noting Smits does not have the same offensive skills as some of the other defensemen available, but he is very well rounded and is still a solid puck mover. Smits comes with a mean streak too, which fits Drury’s and Mike Sullivan’s style.
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