Rangers Eyeing Three Defensemen for No. 5 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

The New York Rangers are gearing up for an exciting decision with their No. 5 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft on June 26. With a wealth of talent available, the team is considering a trio of standout defensemen who could bolster their blue line and contribute to their future success.

First on the list is Chase Reid, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenseman hailing from Chesterfield, Michigan. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic has predicted that the Rangers might select Reid in his latest NHL Mock Draft. Wheeler noted, “I’m also starting to think there’s a chance Reid gets here, and if he does, I think they’d take him.” Reid had an impressive season with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League, tallying 18 goals, 30 assists, and a total of 48 points in just 45 games. Corey Pronman from The Athletic ranks him as the top prospect for the 2026 draft, praising his offensive tools and ability to create chances. “Reid can create in transition and off the blue line with his feet and creativity,” Pronman stated, highlighting his potential as a leading scorer for an NHL team.

Another notable candidate is Alberts Šmits, a 6-foot-3, 209-pound defenseman who stands out as the No. 2-ranked international skater according to NHL Central Scouting. Wheeler believes the Rangers might seriously consider Šmits for their pick, especially given his recent performance. The 18-year-old made headlines as the youngest player at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he represented Latvia and recorded two assists in four games while averaging 18:44 minutes on the ice. In Liiga, Finland’s premier league, Šmits contributed six goals and seven assists in 38 games. Pronman describes him as a tall defenseman with impressive mobility, noting his ability to make reliable first passes and his powerful point shot, projecting him as a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL.

Finally, Keaton Verhoeff, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 215 pounds, is another name on the Rangers’ radar. He was ranked No. 4 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and Wheeler reports that the Rangers have shown interest in him. Verhoeff had a solid season with the University of North Dakota, notching 17 points in his first 22 collegiate games, although his production dipped towards the end of the season. Pronman describes Verhoeff as a big two-way defenseman with strong skating ability for his size. While he may not be flashy, he possesses good skill and a great point shot that could pose a threat at the NHL level. His physicality and decision-making will be key as he transitions to the pro game, where he projects as a tough-minutes top-pair defenseman.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.