New York Rangers Draft Defenseman Alberts Šmits in 2026 NHL Draft

The New York Rangers drafted defenseman Alberts Šmits with the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a big-body defenseman who can eat up a ton of minutes.

What happened in the 2026 NHL Draft?

The Toronto Maple Leafs won the draft lottery and selected forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick.

The Rangers had a busy early draft, not only drafting Šmits but also trading for Pavel Dorofeyev.

Why it matters for New York Rangers

Šmits is one of the many defensemen at the top of this NHL draft class and is a player that can make the jump right to the NHL.

As of June 29, 2026, the New York Rangers stand 16th in the Eastern Conference with a 34-39 record, on a W1 streak.

What comes next for the New York Rangers?

The Rangers' selection of Šmits adds depth to their defense, and he is expected to be in the Rangers' opening night lineup in the fall.

The 2026 NHL Draft saw several unexpected trades and picks, with the Rangers making a notable move in trading for Pavel Dorofeyev.

The Rangers' draft pick is a significant addition to their roster, and fans will be watching to see how Šmits performs in the upcoming season.

The New York Rangers are looking to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference, and the addition of Šmits is a step in the right direction.