NY Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman's game has evolved in second college season

New York Islanders fans have plenty to be excited about right now at the NHL level. But as the playoff push unfolds after the Olympic Break and trade chatter dominates headlines before the deadline, fans should also continue to think about the future, and one name they shouldn’t lose sight of is Boston University's Cole Eiserman.

The 20th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft is no longer viewed as the team's top prospect, but is still quietly building the foundation to be an impact player on Long Island. Now a sophomore at Boston University, Eiserman serves as an alternate captain on one of the youngest teams in college hockey. Leadership hasn’t come from the letter on his sweater — it’s come from his habits.

“I think I’ve grown a lot this year,” Eiserman said via NewYorkIslanders.com. “I’m a lead-by-example kind of guy, so I have to dial in the details and do everything right.”

That growth matters.

Eiserman’s reputation was built on his elite shot and pure goal-scoring ability. He led all NCAA rookies with 25 goals last season and has followed that with 12 goals through 25 games this year despite missing time with a lower-body injury. After battling through some midseason inconsistency, he’s trending upward again, with five points in his last six games.

But what should excite Islanders fans most isn’t just the production — it’s the evolution.

Eiserman is working to round out his game, focusing on puck support, defensive responsibility and physical engagement. “I’m just working on the little habits that will put me in a better spot to kind of do my thing,” he said.

That “thing” is scoring and scoring translates.

He’s already proven he can perform on big stages, from the World Juniors to the Beanpot to Madison Square Garden in Red Hot Hockey. Islanders brass, including GM Mathieu Darche, have been frequent observers.

The Islanders are building something. Eiserman understands that culture and wants to be part of it.

And when the time comes, his shot and his maturity could make a real difference at the NHL level.