Left-shot d-man Albert Smits (2nd-ranked international skater per NHL central scouting) has done nothing to diminish his draft stock at the 2026 Olympics, where he is currently competing for Team Latvia. Joining a Latvian team which boasts six NHL players on its roster, the 18-year-old Smits is a stalwart both on the power play and at even strength. To that end, he assisted on Renar Krastenbergs’ game-winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Germany in preliminary round action today. The victory was Latvia’s first Olympic win since 2014.
Smits also played for Latvia’s World Junior Championship Team earlier this season. He totaled 5 points (1G 4A) in leading his team to the quarterfinals, where they were defeated 6-3 by eventual champion Sweden. Smits plays his club hockey for Jukurit in Liiga (Finland’s highest pro league). So far this season, Smits has totaled 13 points (6G 7A) in 37 games for his team.