Draft Prospect Malte Gustafsson Compared to Mattias Ekholm

Swedish blueliner Malte Gustafsson is being highlighted as a 2026 NHL Draft target for the Nashville Predators. The 6-foot-4 prospect is drawing direct comparisons to Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Scouts note that Gustafsson mirrors Ekholm's defensive style, specifically citing his elite reach and deceptive mobility as key traits that make him a potential defensive anchor at the professional level.