Rangers select defenseman Alberts Smits with No. 5 pick in 2026 NHL Draft to fill need in retool
The New York Rangers have selected defenseman Alberts Smits with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Velocity timeline
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
The brief
The New York Rangers used their fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to select defenseman Alberts Smits. The move is described as an effort to fill a specific need during a team retool.
Coverage from the New York Post, SNY, and The New York Times focuses on how Smits fits into the roster and the overall grading of the team's draft strategy. SNY reports that Smits expressed relief and satisfaction after being selected by the organization.
Further reports from Newsday, Yahoo Sports, and Sports Illustrated detail the Rangers' complete draft activity, which included a total of nine picks and several trades.
Synthesized by Newsylist from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1d ago.
Quick answers
Who did the Rangers select with the No. 5 pick?
The Rangers selected defenseman Alberts Smits.
How many total picks did the Rangers make in the 2026 draft?
According to Newsday, the Rangers made nine picks.
What was Alberts Smits' reaction to being drafted by the Rangers?
Smits stated that he was glad it turned out this way.
Coverage (8)
- NY Rangers Add Depth With Back-to-Back Selections in 6th Round of NHL Draft Sports Illustrated · 2d ago
- NHL Draft: Meet the Rangers' 9 picks, including a handful of defensemen Newsday · 2d ago
- Rangers 2026 NHL Draft: Every pick and trade made by the Blueshirts SNY · 2d ago
- Alberts Smits relieved to land with Rangers in NHL Draft: ‘I’m glad it turned out this way’ SNY · 2d ago
- Complete List of 2026 NHL Draft Picks for NY Rangers Sports Illustrated · 2d ago
- Rangers 2026 NHL Draft: Every pick and trade made by the Blueshirts Yahoo Sports · 2d ago
- New York Rangers NHL Draft picks tracker: Grades, fits and analysis The New York Times · 2d ago
- Rangers select defenseman Alberts Smits with No. 5 pick in 2026 NHL Draft to fill need in retool New York Post · 2d ago broke it first
People, places & organizations
Topics
Related trends
Predators Sign Jack Drury To Five-Year Deal
The Nashville Predators have secured former Avalanche forward Jack Drury with a five-year, $22.5 million contract.
Dan’s Daily: All Things Penguins Draft; Big-Name Trade Rumors Grow
The Pittsburgh Penguins enter free agency following a draft week marked by missed major trades and growing rumors of big-name departures.
Flyers Announce 2026 Development Camp Roster and Schedule
Several NHL teams, including the Flyers, Jets, and Sabres, have released their 2026 development camp rosters and schedules.
Eight possible destinations if the Blue Jackets decide to trade Zach Werenski
The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly assessing trade offers for defenseman Zach Werenski, sparking speculation across the NHL.
Snapshots: Larkin, Stars Injuries, Flames, Carlile
The Detroit Red Wings are facing internal turmoil as Dylan Larkin requests a trade, leading to a standoff with GM Steve Yzerman.
Sharks trade up, select defenseman Ryan Lin at No. 21 overall in 2026 NHL Draft
Sharks trade up to select defenseman Ryan Lin at No. 21 overall in 2026 NHL Draft