Malte Gustafsson is a name that’s starting to come up more and more ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.
He’s 6-foot-4, 201 pounds, so the size is already there, and that’s usually what gets teams interested early. But it’s not just the frame. He actually moves pretty well for a defenseman that size, which is part of why he’s been able to handle tougher competition in Sweden.
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Most of his game is built in his own zone. He stays on top of plays, uses his reach to break things up, and makes it hard for forwards to get comfortable once they enter the zone. It’s not the type of game that stands out every shift, but you notice it over time.
Offensively, there’s something to work with, just not much flash. He can make a first pass, move the puck out cleanly, and keep things simple when he needs to. That’s probably where it ends, at least for now.
Scout’s Takes:
Here are some of the scouting reports put out by the most notable scouts/hockey writers in the NHL.
“His skating is good for his size, allowing him to play a very mobile game. Gustafsson rarely struggles to get the puck out of his zone. A lack of flash and high-end offensive instinct likely won’t help his draft projection, but there’s still a ton to like about the way he defends and takes up space.”
– Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff
“Gustafsson’s game isn’t about his offense despite having some elements (above-average skating and respectable handling for a big man). He’s a big, rangy, strong, sturdy defender who plays a physical, competitive brand and moves well. He projects as a solid two-way NHL D, and his profile is the coveted one in the league these days.”
– Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
“He has a presence to his game. Gustafsson isn’t shy about engaging physically and pushing opponents off his crease to clear shooting lanes for his goaltender to see pucks clearly. He’s also capable of occasionally rushing the puck and pulling up to make plays in the offensive zone.”
– Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
“On top of having excellent positional play with a great stick, he’s added a physical element that helps him win battles in the corners. His passing on the breakout has always been solid, but he’s added a layer of puck carrying to his transition game.”
– Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News
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Draft Projection:
As we enter NHL Draft week, Gustafsson finds himself in a very unique spot. He is projected to go anywhere from 10-15, which depends on what the team’s picking in the 10-15 range decides to do. Obviously, with the Predators picking at number 10, if he is available, there’s a good chance they could call his name. Especially with some scouting reports comparing him to former Predators’ defensemen Mattias Ekholm.
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