Making it to the NHL as a mid-round draft pick requires adaptability. A prospect’s skills must transfer as they climb the ranks and face higher-quality competition. So far, the Edmonton Oilers have seen exactly that from Malcom Gästrin.

The club selected Gästrin 84th overall after he moved up from Sweden’s under-18 league to the under-20 level and earned four games in Sweden’s men’s league, all before his 18th birthday. Playing at three different levels in a single season was a challenge, but one Gästrin fully embraced.

“It was a really fun season,” he told OilersTV’s Tony Brar … “The men are stronger, and you don’t get the same time out there as you do in under-18 and under-20.”

Gästrin started his draft year with Modo Jr under-18 and scored 12 goals and 30 points in 19 games. He maintained impressive production at the under-20 level, scoring 9 goals and 25 points in 24 games. While he only had a brief run against men, the Oilers were encouraged by his responsible play against bigger, stronger competition.

“Offensive players that track and are diligent in terms of turnovers and takeaways, that’s another marker in our profile,” said Oilers’ director of amateur scouting Rick Pracey. “That’s what we noticed at the pro level. We didn’t see an offensive spike, but from 18 to 20, yes, and that helped solidify our firmness to say we believe in it.”

Gästrin weighs just 174 pounds, but he has plenty of growth potential, both physically and mentally. His mid-August birthday made him one of the youngest players in this year’s draft.

“Sense, skill, compete were the boxes we’re looking for at that selection. We think there’s potential top-nine upside, but he needs to fill out,” said Pracey.

Gästrin’s instincts and competitiveness helped him get noticed by the Oilers. It’s his offensive mindset, though, that fuels him the most.

“I’m trying to compete every shift. I love to score goals and being in the offensive zone. That’s what I’m trying to do,” he said.

Growing up, Gästrin kept a keen eye on the NHL, where he learned different ways to apply his skills. The player he’s drawn the most inspiration from is Leon Draisaitl’s countryman, Tim Stützle.

“I love to watch Tim Stützle and try to do the same thing as him,” said Gästrin. “I’m watching a lot of video. I love to watch the NHL and try to do the same things, but in my league and my comfort.”

The effort Gästrin has put in, both on the ice and while studying the game, has taken him on quite a journey. In just one season, he moved up the ranks in Sweden and ended up in Edmonton. If his motor and commitment to getting better can translate to production against higher-level competition, we may see Gästrin in an Oiler uniform someday.

The Nation Golf Tournament driven by GMC is back Friday, August 28, 2026! Which means it’s once again socially acceptable to skip work on a Friday for “networking.” Join us on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Mill Woods Golf Course for an 18-hole Texas scramble shotgun start, questionable swing decisions, and enough chirping to last the entire offseason. Grab your squad and sign up now at nationexperiences.ca before it sells out!