Cole Eiserman's progress could change Islanders projections

The New York Islanders are at a fork in the road.

On one hand, veteran forwards appear poised to push for the playoffs. On the other, a youth movement headlined by franchise defenseman Matthew Schaefer portends a strong foundation for the future. Both sides are in a proverbial tug of war, with the team's direction hinging on one side coming out over the other.

Of course, General Manager Mathieu Darche and head coach Peter DeBoer have the final say on anything. But, if anything could put the youth movement over the top, it's the emergence of 2024 first round pick Cole Eiserman.

Cole Eiserman set up for success this season

Last season, Eiserman impressed at the NCAA level, scoring 28 points in 32 games with Boston University and nine points in 12 games with the Bridgeport Islanders. There's plenty of opportunity on the wing for a player like Eiserman. Per Daily Faceoff's projected lineup, the four wing spots on the top-six are occupied by Emil Heineman, Kyle Palmieri, Calum Ritchie and Mathew Barzal.

While players like Barzal are locks for a top-six spot, Eiserman has all the opportunity (and the talent) to force his way into the top-six. His biggest competition, ironically enough, isn't even on the Islanders' starting roster (yet). 2025 first round pick Victor Eklund is fighting his way onto the roster and could foster some healthy competition among the forwards.

While Eklund is a right winger and Eiserman plays on the left, the Islanders might see the debut of two rookie wingers as a risk and choose to start one in Bridgeport. Should that happen, it wouldn't be a shock to see one (or both) of Eiserman and Eklund on the roster at some point this season.

Eiserman could spur commitment to youth movement

The biggest benefit to Eiserman making the roster - and making an impact - is that it could spark something bigger. Eiserman's emergence could signal to Darche and the front office that the young core is the future. This, of course, may involve some difficult decisions, like choosing to move on from long-time veterans, but it's something that would need to happen eventually.

As long as the Islanders brass realize the priority should rest among their youth, they'll be in good hands moving forward.

Training camp begins Thursday at 6 p.m.; from there, Eiserman has the remainder of camp and the preseason to establish himself as a go-to guy for the Islanders moving forward. If he and Eklund can both find success, it only further strengthens the argument for a youth movement.

When asked about Eiserman early last season, Darche praised his talent for finding the back of the net. "We know Cole," Darche began. "He's a goal scorer. That's something you can't teach. Like any player, there are things everybody needs to work on, but he's got a skill that's tough to teach, and that's scoring goals. So we're excited to have him.”

In a few weeks, we'll have a much better idea for roster projections -- and where (or if) Eiserman fits.

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