Vass had a relatively quiet freshman season at Boston University, recording three assists in 22 games while adjusting to the NCAA level after coming over from Färjestad’s junior program. The 2025 third-round pick showed multiple flashes of his two-way potential but spent much of the season in a supporting role on a deep Terriers blue line. Vass entered the transfer portal following the season and is reportedly headed to New Hampshire for 2026-27, where he should have an opportunity to take on a larger role and continue his development.

Vass impressed playing against older competition in 2024-25. The 17-year-old routinely skated in the J20 Nationell where he contributed 11 points over 40 games. Vass skated in five Swedish Hockey League (SHL) games for Farjestad BK during the 2024-25 campaign, but he didn’t record any points in the box score. The left-handed blueliner totalled seven points in 23 games for Sweden’s U18 team during an eventful draft year. Vass is joining Boston University (NCAA) for the 2025-26 campaign.

Selected 76th overall, Malte Vass is now a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Malte Vass is a big, mobile defenseman who flashes the ability to start rushes with his feet. A nasty defender, Vass loves to take his opponents hard into the wall whenever he has the opportunity, too, almost to a fault.—