Viggo and Malte Gustafsson, two brothers from the town of Väckelsång, have both signed NHL contracts. Viggo plays for the Nashville Predators organization while Malte is with the New York Islanders. The siblings reflected on their journey in an interview with Smålandsposten.
The brothers grew up in a community of about 1,500 people where sports played a central role in their lives. They competed in multiple activities including hockey, football and tennis, often against each other at home after organized training ended.
Viggo Gustafsson was drafted by the Nashville Predators two years ago and signed his first NHL contract. In 2026 he won gold at the junior world championship with Sweden's junior team and agreed to a three-year deal that begins in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals.
Malte Gustafsson won gold at the under-18 world championship before being drafted by the New York Islanders this summer. He signed a three-year rookie contract and plans to spend the next season with HV71 in Sweden to continue his development before moving to North America.
Malte Gustafsson told Smålandsposten it was enjoyable to represent Väckelsång and that both brothers had come far. Viggo Gustafsson said he felt super proud of their achievements and called the draft selections a big moment.
