Alberts Smits

ANALYSIS
Smits is going to challenge Sandis Ozolins as the best Latvian to ever play in the NHL. The latter won a Cup and played in seven All-Star games as an offensive defender. Smits is a better all-around defender whose maturity, mobility and snarl at just 18 years old already profiles him as an elite modern, transitional defender. He has pro size, a great stick and one heck of a shot. Think Jakob Chychrun-type hammer. Smits' elite mobility for a big man will eventually put him on the Rangers' top pair. There's some parallel to Moritz Seider's game in Smits, especially in their draft-year ascensions and their size/snarl combos. Smits might not excel immediately like Seider, but never say never. Smits could ultimately be the best defender in the 2026 class.