Towering Swedish defenseman Malte Gustafsson brings elite mobility and a physical edge to New York. The 13th overall pick aims to refine his shutdown game before joining the pros.
The New York Islanders have signed 2026 first-round pick Malte Gustafsson to his three-year entry-level deal, the club announced on Tuesday morning.
Gustafsson, the 13th overall pick, will be playing one more season in the SHL for HV71 before coming over to join the Islanders' organization.
We'll see if that plan has changed.
The 18-year-old Swedish defenseman, standing at 6'4 and weighing 203 lbs, plays an annoying brand of hockey. For his size, he's incredibly mobile, has top-notch hockey IQ, and also has the physical ability to shut down the best players on the other team.
The 18-year-old Swedish defenseman, standing at 6'4 and weighing 203 lbs, plays an annoying brand of hockey. For his size, he's incredibly mobile, has top-notch hockey IQ, and also has the physical ability to shut down the best players on the other team.
Although Gustafsson does want to add more offense to his game, that's not his specialty.
He should be viewed as a future Adam Pelech replacement.
