Could Alberts Šmits make the New York Rangers’ opening-night roster?
When the Rangers selected Šmits with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, it was under the impression that he was the most NHL-ready defenseman.
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Šmits did not divulge whether he would attend training camp once September rolls around.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Šmits told the media about if he plans to participate in the Rangers’ training camp in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury left things open-ended regarding Šmits’ availability for training camp, emphasizing the importance of doing what’s best for the 18-year-old defenseman’s long-term development.
“We’re gonna do right by him and the long-term health and well-being of him as a Ranger,” Drury said of Šmits. “This is not a sprint for him. We hope he’s a rock-solid defenseman for the Rangers for the next 15 years. We’re not going to put him in positions or situations that he can’t handle. So excited to add him, but again, not going to do anything that’s not in the best interest long term for him.”
Drury confirmed that Šmits will be returning to New York later in the summer to continue his offseason training upon his return from Latvia.
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