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Record Draft: Alberts Smits Selected by the New York Rangers
Saturday, 27. June 2026 |

Alberts Smits selected by the New York Rangers in the 2026 NHL Draft

Record Draft: Alberts Smits Selected by the New York Rangers// StaffOur former defenseman, Alberts Smits, has made the move to the NHL. The 18-year-old Latvian was selected fifth overall by the New York Rangers, making history in the process.
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, held Friday night into Saturday at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, is now history, and EHC Red Bull München was right in the thick of it. That’s because Alberts Smits, a former player of ours, played one of the leading roles.
The young defenseman, who was already considered a top pick, was selected by the New York Rangers with the fifth overall pick in the first round, making him the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history. So instead of playing at SAP Garden, Smits will take the ice at Madison Square Garden in the future.
“We’re pretty proud”
Following Phillip Sinn and goaltending coach Patrick Dallaire, Smits is already the third player or coach from our club to join an NHL organization this summer.
Visual Smits NHL
Christian Winkler, Managing Director of Sports at Red Bull Ice Hockey: “Congratulations to Alberts. Being selected in the first round of the NHL Draft speaks for itself. This marks the fulfillment of a childhood dream for him. We, too, are proud to have accompanied and supported him on his journey - even if only for a short time - during the final stretch. Looking back, it’s remarkable that in recent weeks we’ve sent three players - Phillip Sinn, Patrick Dallaire, and now Alberts - to NHL organizations. This shows that we’re on the right track in terms of player development, training, and continuing education. We look forward to continuing to guide and support the next generation of talent on their journey to professional sports.”
From the Olympics and the Red Bulls to the NHL
Smits joined the Red Bulls in February of this year from Mikkelin Jukurit of the Finnish Liiga and played a total of 16 games for the four-time German champions. During that time, the top prospect recorded two goals and five assists. Prior to that, the young defenseman had already impressed while playing for the Latvian national team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Smits also represented his home country at the World Championship in Switzerland in May.
VIDEO: Die beiden Tore von Alberts Smits im Münchner Trikot
// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS
Standing 1.91 meters tall and weighing around 93 kilograms, the left-handed shooter combines a physical presence with great mobility, a keen sense of the game, and outstanding offensive skills. He demonstrated these strengths with the Red Bulls as well - and now the NHL is calling.
Congratulations, Alberts, and best of luck with the New York Rangers!

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