Overview
- The New York Islanders used the No. 13 overall pick to select Malte Gustafsson from SHL club HV71 and he has confirmed he will return to the SHL next season.
- Gustafsson is a 6-foot-4, 203-pound left-shot defenseman known for a long reach, strong gap control, mobility and physical play that helps him neutralize opposing forwards.
- He split the 2025–26 campaign between HV71’s pro roster and under-20 play, and he produced notable offense at junior level with 12 points in 19 U20 games and six points in five Hlinka-Gretzky Cup games.
- Gustafsson served as an alternate captain for Sweden at the U-18 World Championship, led Swedish defensemen in scoring, made the tournament All-Star team and helped Sweden win gold.
- Scouts project him as a pro-ready top-four, penalty-killing defenseman with a high floor due to size and defensive play while noting he must quicken puck decision-making and refine his shot before a full-time NHL transition.