Alberts Smits is gradually establishing himself as a reliable defensive presence for the New York Rangers in his rookie NHL season, while the team remains optimistic about the offensive potential he has yet to fully realize.

Smits, the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, stepped onto the ice for the Rangers’ third defensive pairing from the start of training camp and has maintained that role through the first 10 regular-season games. Although he has yet to record a point during the regular season, coaches and analysts see promising signs in his overall play.

During a recent game at the Prudential Center against the New Jersey Devils, Smits demonstrated his offensive instincts by signaling for a pass in the left circle and firing a shot on goal, which was saved by Devils goaltender Nico Daws. Such moments highlight the “offensive dimension” head coach Mike Sullivan believes could emerge more consistently as Smits gains experience.

“He doesn’t look like an 18-year-old on the ice,” Sullivan said, praising Smits’ composure and passing ability. The rookie showcased his playmaking skills during the preseason by setting up a goal for teammate Taylor Raddysh, and he also contributed two assists over four games for Latvia during the Winter Olympics.

While Smits continues to develop his offensive game, the Rangers emphasize his defensive responsibilities as a primary focus. “I think the offense is gonna come. Just gotta take care of the defense first. So that’s what I’m focusing on right now,” Smits said in a recent interview.

Statistical measures offer encouraging signs regarding Smits’ impact. He ranks second on the Rangers in expected goals per 60 minutes, trailing only star defenseman Adam Fox. During their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Rangers posted a team-best expected goals for percentage of 82.94 while Smits was on the ice, underscoring his positive influence on puck possession and defensive stability.

Ice time has fluctuated partly due to his absence from the power play and penalty kill units. In the Rangers’ recent 1-0 overtime loss to Columbus, Smits logged just under 15 minutes, the lowest among the team’s defensemen. Assistant coach David Quinn’s preference for more experienced players on the blue line also contributed to the limited shifts late in the game.

Sullivan characterized Smits’ occasional mistakes as “mistakes of enthusiasm,” reflecting the natural growing pains for a young defenseman adjusting to the NHL’s pace and complexities. He noted that the challenge for Smits lies in improving his on-ice decision-making—knowing when to be aggressive and when to maintain positional discipline.

Despite those challenges, the Rangers have chosen to prioritize Smits’ long-term potential over more veteran left-handed defensemen such as Matthew Robertson and Urho Vaakanainen. The organization remains confident that his offensive contributions will develop alongside his defensive growth as he settles further into the league.