Alberts Smits out with injury as another Rangers defenseman progresses toward return

Rangers rookie defenceman Alberts Smits is week to week with an upper-body injury, adding to the team’s defensive absences as Sean Durzi moves closer to returning. Smits had played all 17 games before missing Saturday’s win over Seattle, and his absence leaves New York short of two defencemen.

Durzi, who has missed five games with a lower-body injury, skated in a red non-contact jersey on Monday and can be activated at any time. Smits and Braden Schneider have allowed 3.63 expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five, the second-highest rate among 46 pairs with at least 140 minutes played. Coach Mike Sullivan said the 18-year-old has improved as he adjusts to the NHL.