NY Islanders prospects shining bright for Team USA at the World Junior Championship

The drama at the 2025 World Junior Championship has been at the forefront during group play, with the massive upset of Latvia defeating Canada leading the way. We've seen blowouts, nailbiters, and four NY Islanders taking the ice through the first four days of the tournament.

Team USA enters the final day of pool play tied with Canada for the top spot in their group. Like the Canadians, the USA dropped their only game in OT, with the Americans falling to Finland.

Islanders prospects shining bright

Cole Eiserman and Danny Nelson have been standout players for the Stars and Stripes thus far, with both near the top of the statistical leaderboard for the US. Nelson has two goals through three games, good enough for second on the team, while Eiserman has four points (1 G, 3 A) - third most behind Long Island native and potential first-overall pick, James Hagens, and Cole Hutson (WSH).

Nelson was named an Alternate Captain for the Americans, coming as a bit of a surprise, given the "A" over a player like Gabe Perreault (NYR).

"He's flying out there," said John Vanbiesbrouck, USA Hockey's Assistant Executive Director during the USA's matchup with Latvia. "He's really developed quite nicely into a number one center for Notre Dame."

Nelson and Eiserman have been playing on a line with Trevor Connelly (VGK), as the two Islanders draft picks have connected for goals on a few instances this tournament.

Eiserman, touted for his elite shot, dropped in last year's draft for his lack of a "B" game when he's not scoring goals. Well, Eiserman has shown his physicality throughout this tournament, willing to throw his body at any opportunity.

Both Islanders prospects will be on display tonight at 8:00 as the USA and Canada battle it out for the most anticipated matchup of the WJC.