Marte Gustafsson hasn’t really thought much about the future yet, particularly regarding the prospect of him and Matthew Schaefer—both first-round left-handed picks at just 18 years old—being key components of the Islanders’ defense.
According to Tom Janković, head coach of HV71’s U-20 team and assistant for Sweden’s U-18 national team, Gustafsson is quite humble about his journey so far.
When Schaefer introduced Buffalo’s Gustafsson as the Islanders’ 13th pick during the NHL Draft, it felt fitting, as they share a complementary story in their hockey careers.
Gustafsson expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of skating alongside Schaefer and has become a crucial defenseman in Sweden, set to continue with HV71 for another season.
Yet, the Islanders face a decision regarding the hefty 6-foot-4, 230-pound player, who, as head coach Pete DeBoer noted, lived up to expectations at the recent development camp.
Jankovic believes Gustafsson could become one of Sweden’s top defensemen in the NHL eventually, though it’s uncertain whether that’ll happen at 24 or 28; the point is that he possesses the right mindset and skills.
There’s no rush in Gustafsson’s development. He plans to enhance his offensive game and gain strength while competing in the Swedish Hockey League next season.
Niklas Eriksson, HV71’s head coach, mentioned that playing on the larger rinks in Sweden could aid Gustafsson in adapting for the smaller North American surfaces.
This adaptation means he’ll need to simplify his play, focusing on quick initial passes while likely averaging over 20 minutes of ice time, including responsibilities on both the power play and penalty kill.
Jankovic anticipated Gustafsson would be drafted early, noting his “annoying” qualities on the ice.
Gustafsson can effectively play both defensive and offensive roles, which is a vital asset. His size, reach, and puck-handling skills define his two-way game. He might even serve as a quarterback for an NHL power-play unit, possibly alongside Schaefer.
According to Jankovic, Gustafsson’s versatility is a major strength, making him valuable on the ice.
Even prior to the draft, he participated in several high-stakes games, illustrating his readiness for pressure.
Last season, he recorded 12 points in 19 games with the U-20 team and contributed three points in 27 games with the SHL side.
He played a crucial role in securing a gold medal for Sweden at the U18 World Championships, logging substantial ice time in critical playoff games.
Additionally, he helped HV71 avoid relegation in the SHL, showcasing his skills under pressure and catching the attention of general manager Johan Hult.
Gustafsson shared his thoughts on using his size to disrupt opponents and make impactful plays during a recent scrimmage at the Islanders’ development camp. He views this as a key aspect of his game.
If he manages to build more power in his legs, Hult noted that Gustafsson could become even more of a challenge for opponents.
Hult finds it hard to define Gustafsson’s ceiling, noting that “the ceiling is not set” in his view.
There’s potential for Gustafsson to represent Sweden in the Olympics, possibly validating Jankovic’s belief that he could emerge as one of the leading Swedish defensemen in the NHL.
He might even make the five teams that selected other defensemen ahead of the Islanders in the first round reconsider their choices.
In the coming years, it will become clearer what path Gustafsson’s career will take. Actually reaching those heights will require more than just a strong start at development camp.
The draft, his performance with HV71, and the concluding SHL season are merely the initial steps in Gustafsson’s journey.
“I think this kid has his limits,” Jankovic concluded.
