Robert Cowan (RW, R, 5’11”, 176, Madison Capitols, 06/12/2006, Western Michigan)
Bobby Cowan is a 5’11”, 178-pound right-shot winger who can also play center. In his 2024–25 season with the Madison Capitals (USHL), Cowan recorded 22 goals and 29 assists for 51 points in 57 games, with 61 PIM and a +5 rating. As a 2006 birth year, Cowan produced top-line offense while playing a direct, north-south game. He logged 15:22 TOI per game and saw regular power play usage, averaging 2:39 per night.
Statistical Profile
Cowan generated 4.5 shot attempts per game, with 2.7 reaching the net. However, he averaged 1.0 shots blocked and 0.76 missed shots per game, a combined 39% of his attempts not getting through—limiting his efficiency. He averaged 2.2 Grade A chances per game, converting at an average rate of 13%. His passing metrics were below average, completing 83% of his passes with only 0.74 pre-shot passes per game— a lack of creativity and deception. He was involved in 12 puck battles per game but won just 46% of them — strength and leverage remain areas for improvement. He drew 0.27 penalties per game but absorbed 1.13 hits — unnecessary contact due to limited evasiveness. On the positive side, Cowan averaged 3.3 takeaways and 1.94 loose puck recoveries per game, showing strong anticipation and second-effort competitiveness.
Reasons to Draft
Cowan is a direct, honest player who plays hard, gets to the net, and finishes plays with purpose. He is effective around the crease—scoring via tips, rebounds, and one-timers, especially from the bumper on the power play. His quick release and instinctive timing in the slot create scoring chances without requiring elaborate setups. He competes with energy and isn’t afraid to play through contact or enter high-traffic areas. His puck retrieval numbers and takeaway rates reflect a player who stays engaged and pressures the puck consistently. Despite technical inefficiencies in his stride, he generates decent pace and can back off defenders enough to create space for his shot.
Reasons Not to Draft
Cowan’s stride mechanics limit his agility and overall skating economy. His legs kick out behind him, creating imbalance that hinders him in tight spaces. He plays a hard game but takes too much contact—over one hit against per game—and his frame hasn’t yet proven strong enough to consistently win those battles. With only 46% puck battle wins and a low pre-shot pass rate, Cowan has not yet shown the ability to drive play or elevate linemates. His shot selection is often forced, and he struggles to get pucks through cleanly. While he scores by being around the net, his 13% conversion rate on Grade A chances shows he lacks elite finishing ability and needs to improve his accuracy, quicken release and improve deception.
Projection
Cowan projects as a potential bottom-six forward at the pro level who brings second-effort compete, physical readiness, and straight-line scoring habits. To realize that role, he will need to improve his skating base, develop better touch with the puck, and strengthen his core to win more pucks and handle contact more effectively.
Draft Recommendation
6th-7th Round
Cowan is a potential late-round selection for a club seeking a hard-nosed, secondary scoring winger with a strong motor and net-front utility. If he can improve his stride efficiency and increase his puck skills, he could grow into a serviceable bottom-six NHL option. Draft consideration in the 6th or 7th round.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images