Islanders Select Cole Eiserman With the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-mike-reilly-contract-extension-source-2024-nhl-draft] selected left wing Cole Eiserman of the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP). "There's a lot of history and a lot of Stanley Cups and a lot of good players to kind of know like, I like Mike bossy, and I look up to them and I'm super excited," Eiserman said once he got to the podium. Eiserman scored 58 goals with 31 assists for 89 points in 57 games. At the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U18 World Championship, Eiserman scored 10 points (nine goals, one assist) in seven games. The forward set the U.S. NTDP all-time record for most goals while in the program (127). As evidenced by his stat line, Eiserman’s best asset is his shot. Described as “arguably the most elite pure shooter” in the draft by a scouting report on CapFriendly [https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/597619/cole-eiserman], Eiserman excels on the power-play as a shoot-first option. "I'm definitely a shooter that loves to score goals and I'm gonna bring a positive attitude and definitely competitive side," Eiserman said. "And as time goes on, I'm definitely gonna be able to be more physical and use my body a lot." Eiserman is also a threat on the rush, as he can take his skating up a notch while in transition. The left winger possesses good on-ice awareness and intelligence in the offensive zone. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3NDg1MDE1NDE0NTQ3OTEx/usatsi_22471703.jpg] Once ranked neck-and-neck with San Jose Sharks No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini, Eiserman fell down draft rankings this year due to concerns about his versatility. Eiserman struggles with defensive instincts, and some scouts view his compete level as needing improvement. Despite that, the Islanders took a chance for a reason. "I felt like they really kind of understood me as a player. And I always respect people like that because it takes a different mindset, I think, to kind of understand how I think and how I play the game," Eiserman said. "So it was very comfortable, and I'm super excited to be with them. "I definitely see the game differently than a lot of people and whether you like it or not, it's something that I'm gonna bring and they like it and that's what I'm excited about." Eiserman has yet to incorporate significant physicality into his game, though he is not small at 6’ 0” and 196 pounds. However, Eiserman’s pure offensive ability makes him an excellent pick at No. 20 for the Islanders. 'They see my goal scoring and they see what I've done with it and they love that," Eiserman said. "They didn't think about the other factors of it, and they picked me for me, so I'm really excited." While Eiserman needs work in multiple areas of his game, he was arguably the best available for a depleted Islanders prospect pool. "I want to reliable defensively and being able to play more than 15 minutes a night and being able to kind of be in all situations," Eiserman said. Pairing him with an elite playmaker like Mat Barzal is too good to pass up, and with insulation from a strong defense, Eiserman can develop into a first-line asset. Eiserman will be a freshman at Boston University in the fall. "It's tough to say [when I'll join the organization] but obviously I think this year is gonna be huge. I gotta take steps."
