New York Rangers rookie defenseman Alberts Smits is out week to week with an upper-body injury, the team announced Monday.
Smits, who became the highest-drafted Latvian player when he was selected fifth overall in this year’s NHL Draft, was a late scratch ahead of New York’s 4-3 victory over Seattle on Saturday night. The hard-hitting blue-liner last played Nov. 5 against Philadelphia.
The Rangers (10-7-1) were already shorthanded on the back end, with Sean Durzi last playing Oct. 26. The veteran defenseman is on injured reserve with an undisclosed ailment.
Smits has averaged 14 minutes and 29 seconds of ice time through 17 games and is still seeking his first career point. He’s one of five 18-year-olds to appear in an NHL game this season.
Defenseman Marc Del Gaizo was recalled from AHL side Hartford to fill Smits’ spot on the roster.