Add The New York Post on Google The Islanders are continuing to build up their blue line.
Early on Friday, they re-signed Tony DeAngelo to a two-year deal, and later in the day, they used their first-round pick (13th overall) on Swede Malte Gustafsson.
The pick was introduced by last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Matthew Schaeffer, who won the Calder Trophy, given to the sport’s top rookie.
Malte Gustafsson is pictured alongside Matthew Schaefer after getting picked in the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26. Getty Images The 18-year-old Gustafsson comes from HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
Gustafsson played for Sweden at the 2024 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, getting a bronze medal, and the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he received a silver medal.
Malte Gustafsson participates in the agility test for the NHL Scouting Combine on June 6. NHLI via Getty Images On the ice from Long Island Sign up for Inside the Islanders by Ethan Sears, a weekly Sports+ exclusive.
The Islanders will next pick Saturday in the fourth round.
They don’t have a second- or third-round selection.
