Alberts Smits was on the ice for the first day of New York Rangers development camp Monday. And the mature 18-year-old, whom the Rangers selected with the No. 5 overall pick in this year's draft on Friday, stayed focused on the hear and now, without allowing himself to picture what the near future could look like for him.
Though there's been plenty of talk about Smits signing his entry-level contract this summer and coming to training camp in the fall trying to win a job on the left side of the Rangers defense corps, he was non-committal about what's next for him.
"We'll see how it goes," he said , when asked about his plans to attend training camp.
The hulking 6-foot-3 defender is considered by many to be among the most NHL-ready players from his draft class. He more than held his own against men and more experienced players last season in pro leagues in both Finland and Germany, and when he represented Latvia at the Milan-Cortina Olympics and IIHF World Championship.
Smits gained some notoriety at the Olympics when he blasted United States captain — and Toronto Maple Leafs star — Auston Matthews with a thunderous hit. He downplayed that, too.
"It was just one moment of the game," Smits said Monday.
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In fact, that was a recurring theme during his media session at dev camp. Smits took a very measured and mature approach to answering questions. He didn't appear seem like your typical 18-year-old, that's for sure. And he didn't give up hardly anything when speaking with reporters.
For example, he was asked where he'll train this summer.
"I want to keep that conversation between me and the organization."
He did share that "there's a lot of things I have to work on to reach the next level. I have to work on the strengths and also weaknesses in my game."
When pushed to elaborate, Smits didn't.
"There are a lot of small details I don't want to get into."
Smits did offer up that "There were a couple [Rangers] players that reached out and welcomed me to the team, so thanks to them for that."
Oh, which players reached out?
"There was a couple guys."
If Smits is just as capable of avoiding the oncoming forecheck, as he is sidestepping questions from the media, he just might be a shoo-in for a spot on the Rangers blue line next season.
Of course, whether it's in 2026-27 or soon after, Smits projects to be a top-four cornerstone defenseman for years to come on Broadway.
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