20. New York Islanders (from TBL via CHI) — Cole Eiserman, LW, USA U-18 (USHL)
NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 12 (North American skaters)
Eiserman (6-foot, 197 pounds) scored 58 goals in 57 games with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season, and became the program’s all-time leader with 127 goals in 119 games. He had 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in 12 games against NCAA Division I competition and 34 points (25 goals, nine assists) in 24 games against teams in the United States Hockey League. Eiserman also had 11 points (nine goals, two assists) in seven games to help the United States win the silver medal at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. His dynamic shot is what makes him a top-end NHL prospect, but there is concern about whether the 17-year-old can round out his game. He’ll continue to improve that area next season at Boston University.Those who know Eiserman best believe his work ethic will allow him to get his game where it needs to be to have success in the NHL.
“Whether it’s fair or not, he’s been labeled as a one-dimensional player, but it’s a very important dimension,” Central Scouting director Dan Marr said. “In the National Hockey League, scoring is one of the best parts of the game. That’s what he’s going to bring to the table with the team.
“When I look down the road, I can see him impacting an NHL club like a Chris Kreider. A guy that can score goals on a consistent basis, score timely goals, help teams win games. I think he just needs to be coached up a bit and he’ll get that in college hockey. That just comes with experience and maturity.”
NHL.com analysis: Eiserman has the best shot in the 2024 draft, but questions about the other elements of his game made him one of the more divisive prospects in the minds of scouts. But TSN resident director of scouting Craig Button remembers his father, longtime NHL scout Jack Button, telling him stories about scouts having the same concerns about Mike Bossy before the Islanders selected him in the 1977 NHL Draft. No one is comparing Eiserman to Bossy, but Eiserman has displayed a commitment to become more of a playmaker and earn the trust of his coaches with his play away from the puck. He’ll have time to work on those areas of his game at Boston University, and has said he’s got a chip on his shoulder when it comes to the teams that passed on him.
