Two of the NY Islanders 2026 draft picks are having impressive preseason's in Europe

The NY Islanders' 2026 NHL Draft wasn't the blockbuster that the 2025 version was, but the organization still picked up pieces who could have an impact on the NHL in the future. With just one pick in the first three rounds, the Islanders' scouting staff dug deep into their draft boards in search of hidden gems. Of the five picks made, two have already begun preseason play and have impressed so far.

Taken with the 13th overall pick, Malte Gustafsson added another talented left-handed defenseman to the prospect pool. Though the position wasn't one of need, the Isles saw Gustafsson as the best available player.

Preseason success for the NY Islanders' European prospects

Returning to HV 71 in Sweden's SHL, the 6'4" blue liner has an opportunity to play his way into a top-4 role in one of Europe's top leagues. In his most recent game, Gustafsson notched a goal against Almtuna for his first of the preseason. Coming off a season that he failed to score in 27 SHL games, Gustafsson is looking to improve his offensive play in Sweden before making the transition to North America.

In the 6th round, the Islanders selected the little-known Artyom Matyuk, playing for Chaika Nizhny Novgorod in Russia's MHL, the equivalent of junior hockey in North America. With the prospect pool thin at the center position, Matyuk is by default one of the Isles' top center prospects.

The highly skilled center has been off to a sensational preseason, registering five points in three games. Matyuk showed off his slick hands, scoring top shelf on a shot with nearly no angle. Though his numbers haven't been impressive in the past for a junior player, the skill is clearly there, and there's hope that he can make the transition to the NHL/AHL, though it may take a couple of years.

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