Flo Hockey Projects Islanders Eiserman & Nelson To Make USA's 2025 World Junior Team

Cole Eiserman improved as the World Junior Summer Showcase went on. According to Flo Hockey's Chris Peters, the Islanders' 20th overall pick in 2024 should make the United States' World Junior team.

The World Junior Summer Showcase is officially over, which means it's time to look ahead to the rosters for the 2025 World Junior Championships.

The New York Islanders had three prospects compete last week. 

Finnish prospect Jesse Nurmi, who the Islanders took in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, led the tournament with six points (two goals, four assists) and is projected to play a top-six role for them.

Defense prospect Zach Schulz, who the Islanders drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, could serve as an extra defenseman at the tournament. 

But let's get to the Islanders' first-round pick from 2024, United States forward Cole Eiserman.

The 17-year-old, who will be playing for Jay Pandolfo at Boston University this fall, had a goal and an assist at the WJSS.

According to Flo Hockey's Chris Peters, Eiserman is projected to skate on the USA's second line alongside San Jose Sharks forward Quentin Musty and Chicago Blackhawks centerman Oliver Moore. 

Eiserman has represented Team USA before, playing big minutes for their U-17 and U-18 teams in 2023 before playing for the U-18 team last season.

For U-17, Eiserman scored 12 goals with eight assists for 20 points in seven games, with nine goals and two assists for 11 points in seven games for U-18.

In 2024, Eiserman scored nine goals with an assist in seven games for the U-18 team, earning the silver medal after a 6-4 loss to Team Canada. 

During these WJSS, Eiserman got off to a slower start point-wise, using his body through the first two games to be effective. 

He picked up his game as the showcase went on, a positive for one of USA's most prolific goal scorers. 

Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' No. 1 overall pick at the 2024 NHL Draft, said that Eiserman's ability to pick a location and hit it is the real standout and that he just finishes at will.

Eiserman has been known to be a one-trick pony, and Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello hopes that Pandolfo can get him to play solid enough defensively to change the narrative. 

NHL training camps are expected to open up in mid-September, with the Islanders having their young players come a tad early for their version of rookie camp.

Eiserman isn't expected to attend, as he'll be up in Boston gearing up for his freshman season. 

Danny Nelson, who the Islanders drafted in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, was not available for the WJSS but is also expected to make Team USA.

Peters has him playing alongside Vegas Golden Knights forward Trevor Connelly and Buffalo Sabres forward Brodie Ziemer. 

Nelson scored nine goals with 14 assists for 23 points in his first 30 Big-10 outings. 

The 19-year-old will be gearing up for his sophomore season at Notre Dame this fall. 

The 2025 World Junior Championships will begin on Dec. 26 and go to Jan. 5 up in Ottawa.