The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Malte Gustafsson, their No. 13 overall pick in the recent NHL Entry Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $1.575 million, according to Puckpedia.
Gustafsson's signing comes less than three weeks after the draft. He had previously indicated an intention to play for HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League again next season. This route mirrors the progression of Victor Eklund, a 2025 first-round pick, who signed his entry-level deal last July 14, played in the SHL, appeared in 11 games for AHL Bridgeport, and made his NHL debut in the final game of the season.
Under NHL rules, if Gustafsson plays in fewer than 10 NHL games next season, the first year of his entry-level contract would slide, meaning it would not count against his deal.
Head coach Peter DeBoer commented on Gustafsson's arrival at development camp, stating he performed “as advertised.” DeBoer highlighted the 18-year-old's maturity and blend of size, physicality, and two-way ability, suggesting these traits could make him a significant future piece on the Islanders' blue line.
"He’s mature beyond his years," DeBoer told reporters after the final day of development camp. "I thought in the game yesterday, he got better as it went on. I thought the second period of that game, I thought you started to see him get more confident. These rookie camps are tough. I can remember over the years some of the best players I had didn’t look great at rookie camp."
DeBoer added that while rookie camps should be viewed with caution, Gustafsson impressed. "So you’ve got to take them with a grain of salt sometimes, but I thought Malte came as advertised. He did a great job."