A record-setting contingent of six Latvian hockey players enters the National Hockey League’s 110th season with roster spots, while two additional prospects hold realistic opportunities to debut according to hockey analyst Māris Zembergs writing for LSM.lv.
Alberts Šmits Secures New York Rangers Roster Spot
Alberts Šmits earned his place on the New York Rangers opening roster following strong performances in NHL preseason games. Following the 2026 World Championship, analysts debated three potential developmental paths for Šmits, with most experts projecting a one-to-two-month adjustment period in the American Hockey League (AHL). Zembergs notes that Zemgus Girgensons, previously the highest-drafted Latvian at 14th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012, spent his entire first professional season with the Rochester Americans before reaching the NHL. Alternatively, Šmits retained an option to return to Europe with the Finnish club Jukurit, which holds his European rights, after finishing last season with Germany’s DEL club in Munich. Instead, his play during preseason and his prior experience representing Latvia at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic Games convinced the Rangers coaching staff of his readiness. Latvian national team head coach Harijijs Vītoliņš received praise from analysts for encouraging Šmits’s proactive style and puck-retention habits. Whether Šmits plays a full 84-game NHL schedule, up from last year’s 82-game limit and surpassing his 48 club-level games from last season, depends primarily on his physical conditioning.
Roster Outlook for Dans Ločmelis and Eduards Tralmaks
Beyond Šmits, forwards Dans Ločmelis and Eduards Tralmaks possess strong prospects for making their NHL debuts this season. Ločmelis transitioned from American collegiate hockey to the professional ranks in spring 2025, posting 12 points in six games for the Providence Bruins in the AHL. Despite strong initial numbers, Boston Bruins head coach Marko Šturms did not recall Ločmelis to the NHL during the first half of last season before a shoulder injury sidelined him in February. Operating under an entry-level contract, Ločmelis faces steep competition from veterans with one-way deals in a deep Boston lineup, though Zembergs observes that his creative playing style differs from the traditional fourth-line energy role. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Eduards Tralmaks joined the Edmonton Oilers organization following a productive AHL stint with 42 points in 64 games for Detroit’s system. Tralmaks came close to a call-up with Detroit last season before an injured competitor chose to play through pain. Having switched agents, Tralmaks enters the Edmonton setup with renewed expectations of earning his debut.
Status of Returning Veterans and Additional Prospects
Six Latvian players hold confirmed spots on NHL rosters at the start of the 2026–2027 season, including Artūrs Šilovs, Uvis Balinskis, Zemgus Girgensons, Teodors Bļugers, Alberts Šmits, and Sandis Vilmanis. Elvis Merzļikins secured a new home with the Toronto Maple Leafs via trade but will miss the start of the season while recovering from an injury. Rodrigo Ābols, who played in the NHL last year, is currently competing for the Swiss club Bern following a serious leg injury sustained in January. Among other prospects who attended NHL training camps, 20-year-old 198-centimeter forward Ēriks Mateiko nearly cracked the Washington Capitals roster despite missing nine months of game action due to an achilles tendon injury sustained in January. Anrī Ravinskis aims to bounce back in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks after recording four points in 32 games during his rookie season. Eighteen-year-old Rūdolfs Bērzkalns, drafted this summer, attended Edmonton’s camp ahead of returning to the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, where he serves as team captain.
Did you know?
Alberts Šmits became the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history when the New York Rangers selected him fifth overall in the summer draft.
Latvian players ready for the NHL season
How many Latvian players are slated for NHL rosters at the start of the season?
Six Latvian players hold confirmed roster spots for the start of the season, with two additional prospects positioned for potential call-ups.
Which team drafted Alberts Šmits?
The New York Rangers selected Alberts Šmits with the fifth overall pick in the NHL draft.
Why did Elvis Merzļikins miss the start of the season?
Merzļikins is recovering from an injury following his acquisition by the Toronto Maple Leafs.