Islanders Add Size, Edge on Blueline with Gustafsson Drafted 13th Overall

Malte Gustafsson describes himself as a mature, composed person, but when he was drafted 13^th overall by the New York Islanders on Friday night in Buffalo, the emotions came through clearly on and off the stage.

“It’s just amazing,” Gustafsson said. “I was pretty nervous sitting down there, I stumbled up on stage.”

Any off-ice nerves are a stark contrast to the player Gustafsson is on the ice. The 6’4,” 203 lbs. left shot defenseman is poised and intimidating  as a two-way defender. He’s coming off his first Swedish Hockey League campaign with HV71, where he recorded three assists through 27 games.

 “I’m a big two-way defender, I like to contribute all over the ice,” Gustafsson said. “I like to use my size, my length and I play physical. Being annoying is part of my game.”

His age says a lot. Gustafsson, who turned 18 just 15 days before his draft day, was the youngest player on the HV71 roster. He proved he can handle grown men’s hockey at 17, and said the jump from HV71’s U20 program to the SHL felt like a natural transition.

“They’re faster, stronger guys,” Gustafsson said. “I had to think quicker and adapt. I adapted pretty quickly though, it wasn’t that big of a problem.”

Isles GM and EVP Mathieu Darche stuck to his philosophy of picking the best player available, and saw a heavy defender with elite skating ability. Gustafsson’s ability to handle pro hockey at 17 years old played a factor in Darche’s decision.

“The SHL is a very defensive league,” Darche said. “He played against men, he moves the puck extremely well. It’s quite a challenge for these kids to play at the SHL level during their draft year. It’s extremely impressive.”

Priding himself on being tough to play against, Gustafsson compares his playing style to the likes of Victor Hedman and Gustav Forsling.

“We all agree that if he becomes Victor Hedman, we’ll be happy,” Darche said. “A lot of winning teams have big defensemen that can skate. He’s going to be a hard guy to play against.”

Gustafsson has signed a one-year contract to remain with HV71 for the 2026-27 season, but before beginning his second professional campaign, he said his focus is on adding strength. The first rounder will arrive on Long Island next week for Islanders Development Camp, where he will join other prospects in the system and work closely with the team’s development staff.

“I’m really excited for development camp,” Gustafsson said. “I’m really excited to be on Long Island, [see] the facilities and meet the staff. Everything.”

Gustafsson’s introduction to the Isles was special, as Matthew Schaefer, the first-overall pick in last year’s draft, announced Gustafsson’s selection.

“Amazing, great guy,” Gustafsson said of Schaefer. “He’s a great player. What he’s done this year is incredible.”

While he met Schaefer in person, Gustafsson also got a phone call from Mathew Barzal. Gustafsson also knew about the Isles Swedish contingent of  Simon Holmstrom, Emil Heineman and Victor Eklund, who he played against last season in the SHL.

Hockey runs in the family for Gustafsson. He’s the second person in the family to be drafted by the NHL, as his older brother Viggo was selected 77^th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2024. Gustafsson said it “helps a lot” to watch his brother go through the process first, as the 19-year-old played his first six pro games with the AHL Milwaukee Admirals this season.

“Everything is a competition at home, in the backyard and in the streets,” Gustafsson said.

Gustafsson and his brother are exactly 21 months apart. Growing up, their competitiveness as brothers helped shape Gustafsson into the player he is now.

“It helped them a lot, they’ve always been close and they’re close in age,” said Gustafsson’s mother, Johamma. “Now when they come home to the family house, they’re competing and they’re wrestling like brothers. They love each other a lot.”

They grew up in the small town of Vacklesang, Sweden and the two did everything together. Gustafsson was eager to emulate his older brother from a young age.

“He started skating at the age of four,” Johamma said of Gustafsson. “When he saw his brother on the ice, he said I’m going to do this as well.”

As Gustafsson takes in the milestone of being drafted and looks ahead to his future with the Islanders, gratitude for his family and support system remains top of mind.

“It means a lot through the years, the way my family has supported me,” Gustafsson said. “We’ve been to the arenas all over Sweden. It’s amazing to have them here. Very thankful for their jobs and also my agent, I’d like to thank them for everything they’ve done.”