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Despite a stronger beginning to the season than last year, the New York Rangers still have areas to address. A recent slump has prompted the team to explore lineup changes.
New York opened the campaign impressively but has since cooled, posting a 7-6-1 record through 14 games. The team is in a better position than it was last season, particularly on home ice, but the loss of goaltender Igor Shesterkin to injury dealt a significant blow.
With the Rangers mired in a three-game losing streak and having dropped five of their last six, the offseason moves and decisions are facing increased scrutiny. Given the skid, making adjustments is logical.
During the loss to the Los Angeles Kings, New York began to mix things up on the back end. The bottom two defensive pairs were switched, with Alberts Smits moving alongside Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson partnering with Braden Schneider.
As the fifth overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and a player the Rangers hold in high regard for the future, Smits' development this season is crucial. Pairing him with Durzi could be a sensible move.
Key Analysis
While the Rangers aim to compete for a playoff spot this year, it's important to remember this is the first year of their retool. After their offseason additions, they were never expected to be Stanley Cup contenders. However, a key part of their progress will be the development of young players, and Smits, as a top-five pick, is central to that effort.
Smits made the team with relative ease but has been skating on the third pair alongside Braden Schneider. Much has been said about Schneider's future in New York and whether he should be a nightly fixture in the lineup. The Rangers must consider how to best develop Smits, and increased ice time with Durzi could facilitate that.
Smits is averaging just under 15 minutes per game and has yet to record a point. That is the lowest average among the team's defensemen, and a promotion to the second pair could aid his growth. While the team doesn't want to overwhelm him, they also need to push him.
Durzi is a reliable player and a proven second-pair defenseman in the league. If the Rangers hope to get more from Smits, that pairing makes sense.