Alberts Smits, an 18-year-old defenseman playing for the Latvian national team, is attracting attention from NHL scouts ahead of the upcoming Olympics. Having spent several years in Finland, Smits made his league debut last season and has played 37 games this year in Finland's top league, impressing the Latvian national team's management during their Olympic selections. Legendary Latvian coach Arturs Irbe commended Smits's maturity and potential, suggesting that there are no limits to his career development at this stage.

Arturs Irbe highlighted Smits's age and experience, stating that he is beyond his years in terms of maturity and professionalism. He described Smits as grounded and mature, although still inexperienced, with a performance on the ice that can yield positive results. This praise indicates that though Smits is young, he has shown the capability to play competitively at a high level, which is essential for his role with the national team.

In terms of physical attributes, Smits stands at 191 cm tall, which is significant for competing in tough battles on the ice. Beyond his defensive responsibilities, he is also capable of contributing offensively from the blue line, showcasing his versatility as a player. Such capability is crucial for a defenseman in enhancing team strategy and effectiveness during high-stakes competitions like the Olympics. Both scouts and coaches will be watching closely as the tournament approaches, assessing Smits's readiness to perform on the world stage.