Baracchini\u2019s March Top 96 (THW)<\/a>: 7th
Forbes\u2019 Top 64 February Rankings (THW)<\/a>: 17th
Orth\u2019s Top 32 February Rankings (THW)<\/a>: 8th
Craig Button (TSN)<\/a>: 4th
Daily Faceoff<\/a>: 5th
Sam Cosentino (Sportsnet)<\/a>: 6th
Jason Bukala (Sportsnet)<\/a>: 10th
SMAHT Scouting<\/a>: 8th<\/p>\n
Alberts \u0160mits is one of the most noticeable players whenever he is on the ice from his defenseman position. On top of having a solid frame (6-foot-3, 205 pounds), the Latvian-born defenseman plays in one gear: wide open and with aggression. \u0160mits has no problem throwing his weight around when given the chance and can separate opponents from the puck when they are within striking distance. <\/p>\n
But, he also has the wherewithal to use his length to his advantage at the right time instead of taking himself out of a play by throwing a hit. This is an area that he can improve upon, though, as he does have a tendency to get a bit too aggressive on puck carriers from time to time. His overall defensive game is top-notch when he is at the top of his game. He positions himself well to take away passing lanes and is constantly in the right spot to make a play. <\/p>\n
On the offensive side of the puck, \u0160mits continues to play an aggressive style, staying involved in every aspect of the game. It begins with breakout and neutral-zone rushes, where he is either leading a rush or getting himself open, jumping into the play. Once in the offensive zone, he activates from his point spot quite a bit and has no issue with getting involved in the entire offensive play when given the chance.<\/p>\n
![\"Alberts](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alberts-Smits-Mikkelin-Jukurit-1200x800.jpg\")
Alberts \u0160mits, Mikkelin Jukurit (Photo credit: Mikkelin Jukurit Twitter\/X)<\/p>\n
Much like his aggressiveness on the defensive side of the puck, it can get him in trouble from time to time. Maturing in the aspect of knowing when to pick his spots to jump into a play will go a long way towards becoming an even bigger threat at both ends of the ice. <\/p>\n
There has only been one player picked in the first round of any NHL Entry Draft from Latvia (Zemgus Girgensons<\/a> in 2012), but \u0160mits is surely going to make that two when the 2026 Draft takes place later on this year. The young defenseman has put himself on the map over the past two years at the international level. Last year, he was on the Under-18 Latvia World Junior Championship (WJC) team and was one of the standouts for the country at this year\u2019s U-20 tournament.<\/p>\n Related: THW\u2019s 2026 NHL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n Tied in with that comes the fact that he is playing in the top professional league in Finland (Liiga) and playing at a high level at a young age. Showing the ability to handle plenty of ice time (about 20 minutes a game) and playing a significant role on both special teams units has helped \u0160mits stand out in his draft-year season. The confidence he possesses is constantly on display, as shown off the ice at the WJC when he was asked about playing against a superb Canadian team. \u0160mits made it known that he was not intimidated by the talent on the Canadian roster and was more than ready to go up against them.<\/p>\n After a strong Olympics with Latvia and his season with Jukurit ending, \u0160mits was loaned to EHC M\u00fcnchen of the DEL and will likely be finishing the season there as he looks to further improve his draft stock. With a strong finish in Germany\u2019s top professional league, he could push to be one of the first defensemen picked in the 2026 Draft. <\/p>\n Alberts \u0160mits- NHL Draft Projection<\/p>\n The overall skill set that \u0160mits has, mixed in with the potential he has to become a top-four defenseman at the NHL level, will make him a high pick at this year\u2019s draft. He should hear his name come within the first 10-15 picks at the latest. He could very well end up being the second defenseman drafted behind Keaton Verhoeff. <\/p>\n Quotables<\/p>\n \u201c\u0160mits is excellent in his own zone. And he can definitely hit guys \u2013 you expect that from someone his size. But his puck play is incredible, showing a level of poise and confidence that allows him to create high-quality chances. His pure size gives him astonishing reach, and he has the mobility to make up for the times when he can\u2019t just rely on his poke check.\u201d- Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cHe shows great confidence and poise on the breakout as he\u2019s a great passer. He\u2019s extremely mobile and does a great job to use a combination of his speed, puck skills and vision with the puck. While he\u2019s showing good upside offensively, he has a sound defensive game as well.\u201d- Peter Baracchini, THW<\/p>\n When you watch him play, [there are] two things: unwavering confidence and trust [in] his instincts,\u201d\u2026. \u201cIt\u2019s just going to keep growing. He\u2019s been a really good player in the SM-Liiga. He\u2019s a young player and he [is] 100 per cent worthy of being on the Latvian Olympic team.\u201d- Craig Button, TSN<\/p>\n Strengths<\/p>\n Physicality- With his size, he has the ability to knock opponents off the puck and be impactful.<\/p>\n Agressiveness at both ends of the ice<\/p>\n Defensively responsible<\/p>\n Strong, mobile skater and is able to maneuver through the neutral zone well<\/p>\n Can play in any and all situations<\/p>\n Confidence through the roof<\/p>\n Strong puckhandler and passing ability<\/p>\n Under Construction\/Improvements to Make<\/p>\n Tends to be a bit overly aggressive at both ends of the ice; realizing when and where to make a play will be a big area of improvement. <\/p>\n In the offensive zone, he gets a bit too \u201cshot happy\u201d. Becoming more aware of passing lanes and overall offensive awareness will help his offensive production.<\/p>\n Hockey sense, at times, is questionable. The maturation of his game will continue, especially with his professional play in Finland. <\/p>\n NHL Potential<\/p>\n \u0160mits has the tools and skill set to become a top-four defenseman in the NHL. Many currently view his game as comparable to that of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider<\/a>. Both have the ability to be effective players in the offensive zone, both in five-on-five play and on the power play. \u0160mits also has the ability to be a penalty kill player at the NHL level.<\/p>\n Risk- Reward Analysis<\/p>\n Risk: 1\/5 Reward: 5\/5<\/p>\n Fantasy Hockey Potential<\/p>\n Offense: 7\/10 Defense: 6\/10<\/p>\n Awards\/Achievements<\/p>\n 2025 U18 WJC- Top 3 Player on Team (Latvia)<\/p>\n 2025 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft Pick: 3rd Round, Owen Sound Attack (Ontario Hockey League)<\/p>\n 2026 U20 WJC- Top 3 Player on Team (Latvia)<\/p>\n 2026 Winter Olympics (Latvia)<\/p>\n Interviews\/Links<\/p>\n Alberts \u0160mits Stats<\/p>\n Videos<\/p>\n Alberts Smits has left little doubt that he’s a top-10 pick with his WJC performance.<\/p>\n He was far and away Latvia’s most important player. He produced, defended well, and was a transition machine. Should be on their OG team in February.<\/p>\n Here are some clips (#23):#2026NHLDraft<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FhYiuTYSrD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ben Misfeldt (@BBMHockey) January 4, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Alberts Smits rifles one home on the power-play!<\/p>\n Latvia leads 2-0.#WorldJuniors<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/OzwFggv9EJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"SUBSCRIBE](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Substack_Banner_2025_Draft-1-1200x122.jpg\")
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