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Islanders draft focuses on defensemen in 2026 NHL Entry Draft

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 3:00 PM

Last updated Jun 29, 2026

Islanders draft focuses on defensemen in 2026 NHL Entry Draft

Summary

The New York Islanders participated in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, selecting defenseman Malte Gustafsson with their first-round pick. Despite not making significant moves, they avoided being labeled as big losers at the draft held in Buffalo. The Islanders are now looking ahead to a shallow free agency pool, considering potential short-term deals for experienced players. They also re-signed Tony DeAngelo as part of their off-season strategy. Further discussions included the performances of players at the draft and the competitive moves made by other teams in the Metropolitan Division.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Islanders selected defenseman Malte Gustafsson first overall.
•Team focused on defensemen during the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
•Islanders discuss limited options in free agency.
•Tony DeAngelo re-signed on a new deal.
•Other Metropolitan Division teams improved over the weekend.

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What they're saying

"
Mike and Dan recap the Islanders picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, look ahead to a shallow free agency pool and bring forth a new, delusional Master Leaf Theatre. The Islanders didn’t make any big splashes in Buffalo but didn’t come away as one of the draft’s big losers, either. By focusing on defensemen […]
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Islanders IIHF Hockey