"Rangers Lock Up Top Prospect Alberts Smits: The New York Rangers have continued their trend of quickly securing their recent draft picks, signing 18-year-old defenseman Alberts Smits to a three-year entry-level contract. As the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Smits is one of the most highly touted prospects in the league, and the Rangers are eager to get him on the ice and contributing to their roster. Smits, who hails from Latvia but spent most of his international career in Finland, is expected to bring a high level of skill and athleticism to the Rangers' blue line. With this signing, the Rangers are making a statement about their commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the future."

The trend of recent first-round draft picks signing their entry-level contracts is continuing. The New York Rangers announced they’ve signed defenseman Alberts Smits to a three-year, entry-level contract. Smits, 18, was drafted with the fifth overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft. Smits, originally from Valmiera, Latvia, spent most of his international career in Finland, […]