NY Islanders defenseman Cole McWard named AHL All-Star for Bridgeport

Cole McWard’s hockey life is currently being lived in two worlds.

This week, the American Hockey League announced its rosters for the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic, and Bridgeport Islanders defenseman Cole McWard earned a well-deserved selection. The honor comes while McWard is also trying to cement his place with the New York Islanders, rotating in and out of the NHL lineup as the club’s sixth defenseman.

McWard, 24, has played three games since his most recent call-up, filling a depth role while continuing to learn the pace and demands of the NHL. It’s not an easy assignment — limited minutes, long gaps between games, and constant competition — but it’s part of the path for a defenseman pushing to stick at the highest level.

While his NHL role is still taking shape, McWard’s AHL résumé this season speaks loudly. In 29 games with Bridgeport, he has five goals and 11 assists for 16 points, leading all Islanders defensemen in scoring. That production, paired with his steady two-way game, earned him a spot representing the Atlantic Division at the AHL’s showcase event in Rockford, Illinois.

McWard’s journey hasn’t followed a straight line. A native of Fenton, Missouri, he spent two seasons at Ohio State before turning pro in the Vancouver Canucks organization. Last season, he was part of a Calder Cup championship run with Abbotsford, gaining valuable playoff experience that’s clearly carried over into this year.

The Islanders’ philosophy under general manager Mathieu Darche has emphasized internal development, and McWard’s situation embodies that approach. He’s trusted enough to step into NHL games when needed, but dominant enough at the AHL level to be recognized as one of the league’s best. Being named an AHL All-Star doesn’t guarantee an NHL future — but for McWard, it confirms he’s doing exactly what he needs to do while waiting for his opportunity to fully arrive