Latvian hockey reached another historic milestone at the 2026 NHL Draft, with four Latvian players selected by NHL clubs—the highest number ever drafted from Latvia in a single year. The achievement highlights the country’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s emerging hockey nations.
Alberts Šmits Becomes the Highest-Drafted Latvian in NHL History
The biggest headline belonged to defenseman Alberts Šmits, who was selected fifth overall by the New York Rangers. The selection made him the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history, surpassing all previous national records.
The 18-year-old blueliner spent last season competing in Finland’s Liiga and Germany’s DEL while also representing Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming the only draft-eligible player to appear in the Olympic tournament. Standing 193 centimeters tall, Šmits impressed NHL scouts with his skating ability, physical presence, defensive reliability and two-way game.
Rūdolfs Bērzkalns Joins the Buffalo Sabres Organization
Center Rūdolfs Bērzkalns was selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the 58th overall pick in the second round.
Bērzkalns spent last season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, helping the team reach the league finals. He is set to continue his development at Boston College in the NCAA next season, one of the premier collegiate hockey programs in North America.
Bruno Osmanis Earns an NHL Opportunity
Forward Bruno Osmanis became the third Latvian selected in this year’s draft.
Having developed within the Swedish hockey system, Osmanis has earned praise from scouts for his offensive instincts, hockey IQ and ability to create scoring opportunities at a high pace. His steady progression over recent seasons convinced NHL evaluators of his long-term potential.
Daniels Reidzāns Completes a Record-Breaking Draft for Latvia
The fourth Latvian selected was forward Daniels Reidzāns.
Reidzāns spent last season in Switzerland’s U21 league, where he emerged as one of his team’s most productive offensive players. His consistent performances and upside attracted NHL scouts, helping Latvia reach the unprecedented milestone of having four players selected in a single NHL Draft.
A Historic Achievement for Latvian Hockey
While Latvia had previously seen as many as three players selected in a single NHL Draft, the 2026 class established a new national record with four selections.
The achievement is particularly significant because Alberts Šmits not only became the highest-drafted Latvian in history but was also chosen among the first five players overall.
Latvian hockey has continued its rapid rise in recent years. Following the country’s historic bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, an increasing number of Latvian prospects have attracted the attention of NHL organizations. The selection of four players in the 2026 NHL Draft is another strong indication that a new generation of Latvian talent is ready to make its mark at the highest level of world hockey.
