The New York Islanders announced on Tuesday the signings of forward Matthew Highmore and defenseman Cole McWard to one-year, two-way contracts, strengthening their lineup ahead of the upcoming season. These moves, part of the Islanders’ broader roster-building efforts, include additional signings aimed at bolstering both NHL and AHL depth.
Details on Highmore and McWard’s Careers
Matthew Highmore, 29, brings NHL experience with 187 games played for teams including the Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks. He has compiled 14 goals and 21 assists in those appearances. In the AHL, Highmore has been productive with 166 points from 61 goals and 105 assists across 231 regular-season games with the Belleville Senators, Springfield Thunderbirds, and Rockford IceHogs.
At 24, Cole McWard spent the 2024-25 season with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, contributing 26 points from six goals and 20 assists in 67 games. Over 124 career AHL appearances, McWard has totaled 43 points, and in his brief NHL tenure with the Vancouver Canucks, he has appeared in six games and scored one goal.
Additional Contract Signings and Team Performance
Earlier in the day, the Islanders also secured goaltender David Rittich to a one-year deal and signed defenseman Ethan Bear to a one-year, two-way contract valued at $775,000. In addition, forwards Chris Terry, Max Dorrington, Cam Berg, Ross Mitton, Hunter Drew, and defenseman Luke Rowe were signed to one-year AHL contracts, demonstrating the organization’s focus on depth for their minor league affiliates.
The Islanders finished last season with a 35-35-12 record, accumulating 82 points. This placed them sixth in the Metropolitan Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference, just nine points away from securing a Wild Card playoff spot. Key contributors included Bo Horvat, who led the team with 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points, followed closely by Anders Lee with 29 goals and 25 assists for 54 points.
Implications for the Islanders’ Upcoming Season
The acquisition of Matthew Highmore and Cole McWard signals the Islanders’ intent to enhance their roster depth with players who offer a mix of NHL experience and potential. These signings complement the club’s efforts to build a competitive roster capable of closing the gap in the Eastern Conference standings. With multiple contracts spanning NHL and AHL levels, the Islanders aim to foster a balance between immediate impact and development for future success.