Weaknesses
While Gustafsson displays the perfect amount of aggression without the puck, with it, he can sometimes get a little too aggressive, leading to some bad turnovers in 2025/26.
On top of that, his offensive game didn't develop the way many hoped, with no heavy shot from the blue line and a limited amount of footwork to help zone entries severely limiting his chances to be a true two-way player at the next level. Along with that is his limited playmaking abilities in the offensive zone, and while the Flames have players like Hunter Brzustewicz and Zayne Parekh to take on those duties, it's something that's needed today in the NHL.
NHL Comparisons
Given the development and progress Gustafsson has made over the past two years, there's a chance he can become a two-way player in the NHL, and if that's the case, he could end up similar to a player such as Kaiden Guhle.
However, with the tools he's currently showed, the ceiling isn't much higher than the floor in the NHL for Gustafsson, and as a result, the more likely outcome is that he is going to be a bottom pairing defenseman in a shutdown role, with the Rangers Braden Schneider coming to mind as a likely outcome.
Fit with the Flames
Right now, the Flames right-side is loaded with offensive talent, but with the likes of Kevin Bahl, Olli Maatta and Yan Kuznetsov on the left, it's clear that the team prefer defensive minded, shutdown type players on the left. That would include Gustafsson, and while the blue line will change before he eventually finds his way to the NHL, there's a chance that he could find in nicely with their current core.
Given the Flames needs however, they are likely looking for something different on the blue line, and after drafting Zayne Parekh in 2024, the more likely outcome is that the Flames are after an offensive minded or potential two-way star at LHD, rather than another tall, shutdown player at the position.
When will he be available to the Flames?
With under a month to go until the 2026 NHL Draft, Gustafsson ranks anywhere from 15 to 25 in pre-draft rankings, and as it currently stands, that means he could be available when the Flames come to pick late in the first round.
However, given the defensive upside, there's a good chance he could be picked late in the middle of the first round, so if the Flames add a top forward early in the draft, don't be surprised if they try move up several spots to bet on Gustafsson's size and upside at the next level.
Verdict
It's likely that Gustafsson is going to be a very good player at the professional level after how he performed as a 17-year-old in one of the worlds toughest leagues this past season. However, the upside just isn't there for the Flames, and if he fell to them at No. 30 or 31, it would be a solid choice, but if they need to move up to draft him, it may be unwise to give up an asset for the talented Swede.
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