With the 2026 NHL Draft approaching, the New York Rangers are considering three defensemen for their fifth overall pick: Alberts Šmits, Carson Carels, and Keaton Verhoeff. Šmits, a 6-foot-3 Latvian player, excelled at the Winter Olympics and recorded 13 points in 38 games with Jukurit. Verhoeff, a 6-foot-4 defenseman from the University of North Dakota, had a strong start to his season but struggled late, while Carels led his WHL team with 73 points. Despite interest in center Viggo Björck, reports suggest the Rangers may not select him and are contemplating trading down from their pick.
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Rangers Considering Three Prospects for No. 5 Pick Trading Down Option Reported
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