Schmidt potential and evaluation
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Canadian Hockey Media The Hockey News columnist Tony Ferrari has made very optimistic predictions about Latvian defenseman Alberts Šmitas, stating that he has the potential to become one of the best players in the 2026 NHL draft. Ferrari ranked Schmidt 8th in his draft predictions review published at the beginning of December. He emphasizes that Schmidt is one of the players who has risen faster in the draft projections during the season, and his potential is huge. According to Ferrari, if Schmidt gets a little stronger and more balanced, he “can easily become one of the best players in this draft.”
Outstanding performance at the World U20 Championship
Šmits clearly proved himself at the World U20 Championship, where he scored six points (1 goal and 5 assists) in five games as part of the Latvian national team. Even before the tournament, there were predictions that Schmidt could be selected in the top ten in the upcoming draft. Speculation that he could be the highest drafted defenseman also surfaced during the tournament. Ferrari acknowledges Schmidt’s impressive potential, noting that “there is probably no other player who has risen as quickly in the draft projections since the start of the season as Albert Schmidt.”
Schmidt’s career development and statistics
18-year-old Alberts Schmidt (born December 2, 2007) is a defender who plays for Mikeli “Jukurit” in the Finnish top league (Liiga). He is considered one of the most promising Latvian hockey players of his generation. This season, in 29 Liiga games, he scored 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) and accumulated a +2 efficiency factor. Schmidt is 191 cm tall and weighs 93 kg, plays with his left hand. He started his career as a hockey player in Latvia, but at the age of 13 he moved to Finland to continue his development. During his career, he has already made his debut in the Finnish top league and extended his contract with “Jukurit” until 2028.
Prospects of Latvian hockey in the NHL draft
Alberts Šmits is one of several Latvian talents who are predicted to have a successful future in the NHL. Another reviewer, Corey Pronman of The Athleticpredicted that two Latvians could be selected in the first round of the 2026 NHL draft – Šmits and forward Olivers Mūrnieks. If this scenario comes true, it will be the first time in Latvian hockey history that two Latvian players have been selected in the first round of the NHL draft. So far, the highest achievement belongs to Zemg Girgenson, who was selected by the Buffalo Sabers in 2012 at number 14. Artūrs Šilov’s success and NHL debut also help to change the perception of Latvian hockey in the international arena, giving young players more motivation and expectations.
What next?
This year’s NHL draft will take place on June 26. While there is still time before the draft, Albert Schmidt will continue to improve his skills and prove himself in the Finnish league. His development will be closely watched, and his performance both for the club and the Latvian national team will be decisive in terms of his place in the draft predictions. Latvian hockey fans are eagerly waiting to see what success Šmits and other young talents will be able to achieve.
