What's next for NY Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman?

After a magical run to the NCAA National Championship game, which resulted in Boston University falling to Western Michigan 6-2, it marks the end of NY Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman’s freshman campaign.

Scoring 25 goals and adding 11 assists in his first season of collegiate hockey, Eiserman and the Islanders have a decision to make regarding the 18-year-old's future.

If he elects to turn pro, the Islanders could potentially land the goal-scoring winger that they’ve been searching for for what seems to be the better part of two decades. 

To turn pro, or remain in college?

Eiserman finished fifth in the nation in goals, trailing Washington Capitals top prospect Ryan Leonard by five tallies. There’s no question he can score with the best of them, leading the Isles to scoop him up after falling to No. 20 in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Having a player of that caliber for three seasons on an ELC would be ideal in terms of the salary cap, but is he ready to make that jump at this time?

The second option would be to return for his sophomore season at BU under the tutelage of Jay Pandolfo. Eiserman’s biggest question at the draft was whether he had a ‘B’ game when the goals weren’t coming easily. This season, he showed his commitment to playing in the defensive end along with a physicality that made him more effective without the puck. 

Scoring at the NCAA level is one thing, but potting goals in the NHL is a completely different story.

While all of Islanders nation is patiently waiting for Eiserman’s arrival on Long Island, it’s likely in his best interest to remain in college for another season to further continue his development. 

The way the Islanders’ roster is currently constructed, it doesn’t appear they’ll be competing for a Stanley Cup next season. If there is turnover like Lou Lamoriello expects there to be, and this team is locked into a playoff spot, Eiserman could always be called up after his season at BU and join the Isles towards the end of the season.

It doesn’t seem necessary to burn a year of his ELC off the bat. Development has been an issue for this organization, and he’d be better off waiting one more season.