Cole McWard is 25, and a right-shooting defender originally from Frenton, Missouri, which is not something you see every day in hockey. He is an undrafted former player for Ohio State. He was originally signed to an ELC by Vancouver out of college and he played in some NHL games for them before two very good years on the Abbotsford Canucks, including the 2025 Calder Cup win.

He signed with the Islanders last season and played most of his year in Bridgeport, appearing in three NHL games.

His contract is for two years at an AAV of $875,000, and is one-way both years.

From Dobber Prospects:

July 2025 – McWard signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Islanders worth $775,000 at the NHL level that expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. McWard did not play in the NHL during the 2024-25 season with the Vancouver Canucks and played 67 games in the American Hockey League with the Abbotsford Canucks. McWard will play for the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, during the 2025-26 season and may get a chance at his first NHL action since the 2023-24 season in a bottom-pairing role if injuries become an issue on Long Island with their defenseman. He has no fantasy value and does not need to be rostered. Mark Henry
January 2025 – McWard’s second season with Abbotsford has been impressive to this point. In 20 fewer games, McWard has 15 points compared to 17 a year ago. He’s also featured a strong defensive skill set. McWard’s comfort level in professional hockey has grown from last year, and with Vancouver’s defensive core facing a lot of questions, McWard may get another crack at the NHL later in the year. For now, Abbotsford is relying on him to continue playing well amid their hot stretch. Nick Orr

Other reports have him as primarily skilled at puck-moving and transition.

We should expect him to play mostly in the AHL, but he is at least potentially an NHL recall option.

Free Agents and Contracts