Has Rangers’ defensive shuffle woken up Alberts Smits’ learning curve?

Forever Blueshirts' Lou DiPietro argues that an ongoing defensive shuffle has positively influenced New York Rangers rookie defenseman Alberts Smits. Following an undisclosed injury to Sean Durzi, head coach Mike Sullivan paired Smits alongside 24-year-old Scott Morrow, which has resulted in improved on-ice chemistry and strong play during New York's 3-2 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers.

While Smits holds modest traditional statistics and low underlying advanced metrics through 17 games, DiPietro notes that the 18-year-old's performance passes the eye test. Morrow praised the young Latvian's decisive puck-moving ability, and Sullivan continues to manage his development alongside an experienced defensive group.