Islanders draft defenseman Malte Gustafsson 13th overall in 2026 NHL Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 1:11 AM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
The New York Islanders selected left-shot defenseman Malte Gustafsson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft held in Buffalo, NY. Gustafsson, a 6’4” blueliner from HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League, is praised for his elite skating and versatility. He played a key role as a shutdown defender at the IIHF U18 tournament and recorded three assists in 27 games last season. The Islanders are set to make additional selections in the later rounds of the draft tomorrow.
- •Gustafsson stands at 6’4” and weighs 203 pounds.
- •He recorded four goals and eight assists in 19 games with HV71 U20.
- •The Islanders have multiple left-shot defensive prospects in their system.
- •Day 2 of the NHL Entry Draft features four additional selections for New York.
- •Gustafsson will continue playing with HV71 next season.
- 1:11 AMYahoo Sports — Islanders Select Left-Shot Defenseman Malte Gustafsson With 13th Selection In 2026 NHL Draft
- 12:44 AMYahoo Sports — New York Islanders Select Malte Gustafsson In The 2026 NHL Draft: What To Know
"The 2026 NHL Draft brings together the next generation of hockey stars as all 32 franchises look to shape their futures. Follow every selection, trade, and surprise as teams build for tomorrow and young players take the first step toward realizing their NHL dreams on hockey's biggest stage. Gustafsson is a solid defender, who plays with some physicality and is at his best when he’s got a bit of snarl to him.
"The 6’4” Swedish blueliner brings elite skating and three-zone versatility to New York’s pipeline, fresh off a dominant showing as an international shutdown force for HV71.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 1:11 AMIslanders Select Left-Shot Defenseman Malte Gustafsson With 13th Selection In 2026 NHL Draft
The 6’4” Swedish blueliner brings elite skating and three-zone versatility to New York’s pipeline, fresh off a dominant showing as an international shutdown force for HV71.
- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 12:44 AMNew York Islanders Select Malte Gustafsson In The 2026 NHL Draft: What To Know
The 2026 NHL Draft brings together the next generation of hockey stars as all 32 franchises look to shape their futures. Follow every selection, trade, and surprise as teams build for tomorrow and young players take the first step toward realizing their NHL dreams on hockey's biggest stage. Gustafsson is a solid defender, who plays with some physicality and is at his best when he’s got a bit of snarl to him.
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