New York Rangers fans appear excited about the future of top prospect Alberts Smits, but a recent fan poll shows that most supporters would rather see the organization take a patient approach with the highly regarded defenseman instead of rushing him into the NHL.
The Rangers selected Smits with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, making him one of the most important pieces of the franchise’s long-term plans. The 18-year-old defenseman entered the organization with an impressive reputation, and several scouts considered him among the most NHL-ready players in his draft class.
Despite that reputation, Rangers general manager Chris Drury has made it clear that the organization does not intend to accelerate Smits’ development simply because of his draft status. The latest fan poll suggests that many Rangers supporters agree with that philosophy.
The poll asked fans who they would prefer to see occupy the sixth defenseman spot when New York opens the 2026-27 season against the Boston Bruins on Sept. 29. With Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, Sean Durzi, Marcus Pettersson and Braden Schneider projected to hold the first five spots, the competition for the remaining position is expected to be closely watched throughout training camp.
Matthew Robertson emerged as the overwhelming fan favorite, receiving 57.8 percent of the votes across social media platforms. Smits finished second with 26.3 percent, while Scott Morrow and Urho Vaakanainen were well behind, receiving 8.0 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively.
The results suggest that Rangers fans recognize Smits’ enormous potential but believe there is little reason to force him into the lineup before he is completely ready.
Several supporters argued that Smits should begin the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League, where he could receive regular minutes and continue adapting to the North American professional game. The belief is that a strong start in Hartford could position him for an NHL call-up later in the season when he is more prepared for the demands of the league.
Robertson, meanwhile, has already demonstrated that he can handle NHL competition. The 25-year-old defenseman appeared in 72 games during his rookie season last year, averaging more than 17 minutes per game. He recorded six goals and 18 points, while also finishing among the Rangers’ leaders in blocked shots with 80.
His performance provided the Rangers with a dependable option on the left side of the third defensive pairing. That experience gives Robertson a significant advantage over Smits when it comes to earning the opening-night job.
The situation does not mean Rangers fans have lost confidence in Smits. Quite the opposite. His upside is considered significantly greater, and many supporters believe he could eventually become a top-four defenseman and potentially develop into a top-pairing presence.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Smits already possesses the size and physical tools that make him an intriguing prospect. His aggressive style and strong defensive instincts have also contributed to the excitement surrounding his future.
Smits has already gained valuable experience playing against older professional competition in Europe. He competed in two European professional leagues last season and represented Latvia at both the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics and the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Those experiences could help accelerate his transition to the NHL.
Still, the Rangers appear to have little incentive to take unnecessary risks with their prized young defenseman.
New York added Marcus Pettersson during the offseason to strengthen the left side of its second defensive pairing alongside Sean Durzi. That move gives the Rangers additional depth and allows the organization to give Smits time to develop without immediately placing him under pressure.
If Smits dominates training camp and proves that he can handle NHL competition, however, the Rangers could face a difficult decision. Some fans believe that if he clearly demonstrates he is ready, he should play immediately rather than being sent to Hartford simply because of his age.
One potential scenario would see Smits eventually paired with Braden Schneider. Some supporters believe Smits’ physical style could complement Schneider and give the Rangers a young, aggressive defensive pairing capable of making life difficult for opposing forwards.
For now, though, Robertson appears to have the inside track on the sixth defenseman role. He has already earned NHL experience and performed well enough last season to establish himself as a legitimate option.
The Rangers also have additional depth in Scott Morrow and Urho Vaakanainen, while prospects Drew Fortescue and Vincent Iorio could also enter the conversation during training camp. Iorio recently agreed to a one-year contract with New York, giving the organization another player capable of competing for an NHL opportunity.
Ultimately, the Rangers are in a favorable position because they have several options rather than being forced to depend on one player. The competition could push the defensemen to perform at a higher level while giving the coaching staff flexibility throughout the season.
The biggest takeaway from the fan poll is that Rangers supporters appear willing to wait for Smits. They may be eager to see the talented defenseman in Madison Square Garden, but they also understand that his long-term development is more important than an immediate promotion.
Smits could eventually become one of the cornerstones of the Rangers’ defense. For now, both the organization and much of its fan base seem comfortable allowing him to earn that opportunity rather than rushing him into the spotlight.
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