New York targeted grit and versatility to close their class, snagging the high-motor Western Michigan freshman to bolster their depth with a relentless, puck-battling presence.
In the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders selected overage winger Bobby Cowan from Western Michigan University of the NCAA.
In his freshman season, Cowan tallied five goals with 19 assists for 24 points in 39 games.
Cowan, who turned 20 in June, is versatile and plays a complete, high-paced game. He goes to the dirty areas and excels in puck battles, which gives the Edina, Minnesota native a projectable future as a bottom-six forward or AHL stalwart.
Despite a 51-point campaign with Madison of the USHL last season, Cowan was not selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but he has a home now with the Islanders.
Cowan was the Islanders’ final selection, capping off a draft headed by defenseman Malte Gustafsson in the first round, as well as Lincoln Kuehne, Vladimir Dravecky, and Artyom Matyuk.
General manager Mathieu Darche addressed a positional need by drafting two right-shot defensemen, and he targeted well-rounded players throughout both days of the draft — Cowan is the perfect example.
