Last Friday, Malte Gustafsson sat in his seat at the NHL Draft in Buffalo as the opening-round selections came off the board.
He did not go in the top 10, and the St. Louis Blues and New Jersey Devils went in different directions with the 11th and 12th picks.
Up next were the Islanders, who selected the Swedish defenseman with the 13th overall pick.
“It’s amazing,” Gustafsson told Greater Long Island following Thursday’s Development Camp practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow. “I can’t really describe it. It was incredible to hear my name get called. It’s been an amazing week.”
Gustafsson is a 6-foot-5, 203-pound left-handed defenseman who will return to Sweden for a second season with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League.
The plan is then for him to move to North America and join the Islanders organization, where he could push for a roster spot in 2027-28. The more likely scenario would have Gustafsson beginning that season with the Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League.
This week, Gustafsson has had the opportunity to become acquainted with his future home while meeting the Islanders’ NHL and AHL coaches, members of the organization and many of the prospects who could eventually become his teammates.
EAST MEADOW, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Malte Gustafsson #88, prospect for the New York Islanders, skates during Day 1 of the team’s annual Development Camp, held at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, New York on June 29th, 2026. Credit: New York Islanders
“It’s been great,” said Gustafsson, who turned 18 just 15 days before the draft. “I’ve gotten to learn a lot of things on and off the ice and get to see the facilities and get to know the staff and get to know the guys. It’s been good.”
During his first season with HV71, Gustafsson recorded three assists in 27 games while establishing himself as an intimidating two-way defenseman with poise and physicality.
After moving up from HV71’s under-20 program, Gustafsson showed he belonged while competing against experienced professional players.
At Development Camp, he was able to pick up a few lessons to take home to Sweden before he eventually returns to Islanders Country.
EAST MEADOW, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Malte Gustafsson #88, prospect for the New York Islanders, skates during Day 1 of the team’s annual Development Camp, held at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, New York on June 29th, 2026. Credit: New York Islanders
“I didn’t really have much expectations,” Gustafsson said. “I’ve just been trying to take in as much as possible. We’ve been working on some stuff and I think it’s really helped me.”
Islanders fans also received an up-close look at Gustafsson during the open practices and Wednesday night’s Blue and White scrimmage.
He was among the prospects who drew the most attention, along with fellow defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson, Calle Odelius and Isaiah George, as well as forwards Cole Eiserman, Victor Eklund and Daniil Prokhorov.
At last year’s Development Camp, much of the focus was on first overall pick Matthew Schaefer, who went on to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.
In the not-too-distant future, Gustafsson could find himself playing alongside Schaefer on the Islanders’ blue line.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” Gustafsson said. “But his year was incredible and it would be amazing to play with him.”
After completing his first week as an Islander, Gustafsson will return home to Sweden to prepare for next season.
Although he will be far from Long Island, he plans to follow his future team as closely as possible.
“As much as I can,” Gustafsson said. “It’s hard to watch the games since they’re in the middle of the night, but I’ll keep track of course.”
Over the last year, general manager Mathieu Darche has replenished the Islanders’ prospect pool, giving the organization plenty to look forward to over the next several seasons.
As the Islanders work to build a younger and faster roster capable of contending for the Stanley Cup, Gustafsson could become an important part of that blueprint.
Highlights
Top: EAST MEADOW, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Malte Gustafsson #88, prospect for the New York Islanders, skates during Day 1 of the team’s annual Development Camp, held at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, New York on June 29th, 2026. Credit: New York Islanders
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