Alberts Smits Becomes Highest Drafted Latvian in NHL History, Selected 5th by New York Rangers
The 18-year-old defenseman was picked fifth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, breaking Zemgus Girgensons' record and becoming the first player ever drafted after participating in the Olympics with NHL players.
The New York Rangers selected Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Saturday, setting a new record for the highest-drafted Latvian in league history. The previous record was held by Zemgus Girgensons, who was picked 14th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012.
Smits, 18, played this season for Mikkelin Jukurit in Finland's top league and for Munich in the German championship, gaining playoff experience. He also represented Latvia at the Milan Olympics, the World Championship in Zurich, and the U-20 World Championship, where he recorded five points in five games.
NHL Central Scouting Director Dan Mar called Smits one of the standout defensemen in the 2026 draft, highlighting his talent, fighting spirit, and character. Smits was awarded the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence this year.
Smits is not the first Latvian drafted by the Rangers: forward Juris Stals was selected in the ninth round in 2001 but never played in the NHL, while legendary defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh played 40 games with 17 points for New York.
Before the draft, ESPN's rankings projected Smits at 16th overall, while an NHL mock simulation placed him in the top ten. Smits is also the first player in NHL draft history to have been selected after participating in the Olympics with NHL players.
