MUST-DRAFT: Why San Jose Sharks Should TARGET Malte Gustafsson in the NHL Draft's First Round

San Jose Sharks eye blue line reinforcements as Malte Gustafsson and Juho Piiparinen earn early draft buzz. Could these shutdown defensemen be the keys to a future Stanley Cup push? JD Young and Will Scouch profile Gustafsson’s towering frame and modern defensive game with HV71, sizing up his upside as a top-pair neutral zone defender despite modest SHL stats. They spotlight Piiparinen’s efficient, positional play in Liiga—raising the question: is a steady, high-floor defenseman worth a first-round pick? The conversation digs into international performances, development curves, and how each blueliner might pair with a dynamic offensive partner. Plus, insights on draft ranges, organizational fit, and why the Sharks must prioritize defensive depth. Sharks fans and NHL draft enthusiasts—don’t miss this scouting breakdown of two key targets for San Jose’s rebuild.