A deeper dive into the newest NY Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman

In December when Team USA announced thier camp invites, Eiserman was a surprise omission, with younger players like 2025 top prospect James Hagens receiving an invite. From there it seemed like his stock was beginning to plummet and scouts were looking for more to his game.

The Islanders have been stung in the past when selecting some of the top shooters in a draft, including Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom. Bellows was selected 19th overall in 2016 and now plays in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies after passing through waivers with two teams. Wahlstrom is an RFA who hasn't lived up to the hype, with his future on Long Island in question.

"His critics will compare him to Oliver Wahlstom, who didn't reach his potential because the rest of his game never got there," said Scott Wheeler of The Athletic. "Wahlstrom scored 72 goals in 125 games. Eiserman scored 127 in 119 games. I think we're talking about a different level of finisher."

So we understand that Eiserman can rack up the goals, but what other things does he do well? His physicality is probably his second-best attribute. Standing at 6'0" and just under 200 lbs, Eiserman doesn't shy away from contact. He's willing to battle with opponents in front of the net, looking for rebounds to hammer home. Any way he can find himself on the scoresheet he'll willingly get involved with.

On the defensive end of the ice is where Eiserman's shortcomings rear their ugly head. He's not the most willing to engage defensively, often cheating out of the zone to start a rush the other way. When he's not scoring goals he often looks disengaged. He won't be filling the net in the NHL like he's done to this point of his career, so he'll need to do away with that habit ASAP.

A lot of the things people consider negative about Eiserman can be fixed with coaching. Next year Eiserman will be attending Boston University, playing under former Islander Jay Pandolfo. Most known for his time with the NJ Devils, Pandolofo won two Stanley Cups with Lamoriello as the GM. So it's safe to say that Lamoriello believes Eiserman is in good hands at BU, and will surely be in contact with Pandolfo often.