The New York Islanders have taken significant steps to bolster their defensive lineup, re-signing veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo and selecting Swedish prospect Malte Gustafsson in the first round of the NHL draft.
On Friday, the Islanders announced a two-year contract extension with DeAngelo, who recorded a career-high 35 points last season with the team. The 30-year-old defenseman posted five goals and 30 assists over 76 games in his second year with New York, ranking third on the club in assists and second among blueliners in goals, points, power-play points, and shots on goal. The new deal reportedly carries a salary of $4.5 million per season, representing a substantial raise from his previous one-year contract. DeAngelo’s return marks a notable turnaround, given his earlier contentious tenure in the NHL, which included a locker room incident while with the New York Rangers in 2021 that ultimately led to his contract buyout. Since joining the Islanders, however, he has become a consistent contributor and a key part of the team’s defense corps.
Later the same day, the Islanders used their 13th overall pick in the NHL draft to select Malte Gustafsson, a promising 18-year-old defenseman from HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Gustafsson, known for his imposing size at approximately 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, combines physicality with strong skating ability and puck movement. General manager Mathieu Darche praised Gustafsson as a player who excels at limiting the impact of opposing forwards and relished the opportunity to add another dependable defenseman to the roster.
Gustafsson, who spent last season predominantly with HV71’s senior team, contributed three assists in 27 SHL games and added 12 points at the under-20 level. The young defenceman recently signed a one-year contract extension to remain in Sweden for the upcoming season but intends to participate in the Islanders’ development camp to advance his growth within the organization. Gustafsson highlighted his style as that of a two-way defender who leverages his size and competes physically, drawing comparisons to NHL star Victor Hedman. He has earned international recognition, serving as an alternate captain for Sweden’s gold medal-winning team at the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Junior Championship, where he notched five points in six games and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team. The previous year, he also helped Sweden claim silver at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Darche indicated that the Islanders explored moving up in the draft but ultimately stood pat, satisfied with their selection. The team does not possess second- or third-round picks this year, with their next opportunity to draft coming in the fourth round on Saturday.
With the addition of Gustafsson and the return of DeAngelo, the Islanders continue to focus on strengthening their defensive core as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season.