Training camp will decide where Latvian Alberts Šmits starts the season

NHL clubs have recently opened official training camps ahead of the 2026/2027 season. Among the players competing for a roster spot with the New York Rangers is 18-year-old Latvian defenseman Alberts Šmits.

The Rangers' management is seeking to balance the player's short-term and long-term interests. As a result, Šmits' performance during training camp will determine whether he begins the season with the club's main NHL roster or with the team's farm affiliate.

Such decisions are common for young players transitioning from junior or European leagues to North American professional hockey, as organizations weigh the benefits of immediate top-level experience against additional development time in a less pressured environment.

Šmits' progress through training camp will be watched closely, as it will provide the first clear indication of his role within the organization this season.