The defenseman is known for being relentlessly unyielding on the ice, in addition to his reputation already being bolstered by his maturity and ability to remain calm under pressure. In addition, he has already signed<\/a> his three-year entry-level deal with the Islanders.<\/p>\n Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu\u00a0Darche said that Gustafsson’s size will give him a leg up when facing off against some of the forwards who are also of the larger caliber from the prospect pool.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s\u00a0funny, because we debated with\u00a0a\u00a0few of our scouts about some of the big forwards,” Darche said per a recent article from NHL.com<\/a>. “There were quite a few big forwards [available]\u00a0and\u00a0they’re\u00a0all saying that Malte stops those guys.\u00a0We’re\u00a0very happy\u00a0with the pick.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of times the\u00a0players, after you draft them, some of them grow an\u00a0inch\u00a0because they’re still young,\u201d Darche said. \u201cSo,\u00a0let’s call\u00a0him a\u00a06\u20195\u201d\u00a0defenseman\u00a0and he\u00a0needs to put a bit of weight on. He\u00a0might come in eventually at 215-225.\u00a0That’s\u00a0going to be a hard guy to play against.\u201d<\/p>\n Nov 22, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche speaks with fans at a pre-game event prior to the game against the St. Louis Blues at UBS Arena. \/ IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Gustafsson \u2014 who is Swedish \u2014 is known for being especially mobile in addition to maintaining a high hockey IQ. For his size, he’s known for being quite quick on the ice. <\/p>\n The left-handed defenseman was seen in action via HV071\u2019s Swedish Hockey League (SHL) roster in his draft-eligible year. His statistics on the sheet weren’t what made the scouts take notice of him; instead, it was his physicality, ability to force turnovers all over the ice and his gap control.<\/p>\n Gustafsson has already been introduced to the Islanders’ fanbase and other members of the prospect pool via the New York Islanders’ Development Camp. He said he feels he’s been gelling well, both in terms of fan culture and with his new teammates<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Malte Gustafsson reacts beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and New York Islanders player Matthew Schaefer after being selected with the thirteenth pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Islanders at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images \/ IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n “It’s amazing to have them here. I was a bit nervous, coming out to the game yesterday [and] playing in front of the fans but it felt amazing playing in front of them,” Gustafsson said at Development Camp in early July. “All of the guys are amazing, so it’s been good … I think I’ve got to know everyone pretty good.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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