NY Rangers Rookie Alberts Smits Listed Week-to-Week With Upper-Body Injury
Smits sidelined week to week
The Rangers announced that Alberts Smits is week-to-week with an upper-body injury. New York had recently called up Marc Del Gaizo, a move that had suggested Smits might be unavailable for an extended stretch.
The timeline does not specify how long Smits will miss. The team is riding a three-game winning streak, but injuries have been an ongoing concern. Igor Shesterkin is out for the season, creating uncertainty in goal.
A young defenseman’s season
New York chose Smits fifth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, viewing him as one of the class’s most NHL-ready players. He opened the season on the third defensive pair with Braden Schneider.
The rookie has had ups and downs, but his play improved after he teamed with Scott Morrow. Smits has no points this season and is averaging just under 15 minutes per game, with a minus-two rating.
Depth available on defense
The Rangers have options to cover Smits’ absence. Morrow has played well while Sean Durzi is out, and Matthew Robertson and recently called-up Marc Del Gaizo add depth.
The team will hope Smits returns before missing too much time. A prolonged absence can disrupt a young player’s development, though time away could also give him a chance to reset.
Key points
- Alberts Smits is week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
- The Rangers are on a three-game winning streak.
- Smits was selected fifth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.
- New York has defensive depth in Scott Morrow, Matthew Robertson and Marc Del Gaizo.