2024 NHL Draft 1st-round results, analysis

20. New York Islanders (from TBL by way of CHI) — Cole Eiserman, LW, USA U-18 (USHL)

NHL Central Scouting rating: No. 12 (North American skaters)

Eiserman (6-foot, 197 kilos) scored 58 targets in 57 video games with USA Hockey’s Nationwide Staff Improvement Program Beneath-18 crew this season, and have become this system’s all-time chief with 127 targets in 119 video games. He had 17 factors (10 targets, seven assists) in 12 video games towards NCAA Division I competitors and 34 factors (25 targets, 9 assists) in 24 video games towards groups in the USA Hockey League. Eiserman additionally had 11 factors (9 targets, two assists) in seven video games to assist the USA win the silver medal on the 2024 IIHF World Beneath-18 Championship. His dynamic shot is what makes him a top-end NHL prospect, however there may be concern about whether or not the 17-year-old can spherical out his recreation. He’ll proceed to enhance that space subsequent season at Boston College.Those that know Eiserman finest consider his work ethic will enable him to get his recreation the place it must be to have success within the NHL.

“Whether or not it is truthful or not, he is been labeled as a one-dimensional participant, however it’s a vital dimension,” Central Scouting director Dan Marr mentioned. “Within the Nationwide Hockey League, scoring is without doubt one of the finest components of the sport. That is what he will convey to the desk with the crew.

“After I look down the highway, I can see him impacting an NHL membership like a Chris Kreider. A man that may rating targets on a constant foundation, rating well timed targets, assist groups win video games. I feel he simply must be coached up a bit and he’ll get that in faculty hockey. That simply comes with expertise and maturity.”

NHL.com evaluation: Eiserman has the very best shot within the 2024 draft, however questions concerning the different components of his recreation made him one of many extra divisive prospects within the minds of scouts. However TSN resident director of scouting Craig Button remembers his father, longtime NHL scout Jack Button, telling him tales about scouts having the identical considerations about Mike Bossy earlier than the Islanders chosen him within the 1977 NHL Draft. Nobody is evaluating Eiserman to Bossy, however Eiserman has displayed a dedication to turn out to be extra of a playmaker and earn the belief of his coaches along with his play away from the puck. He’ll have time to work on these areas of his recreation at Boston College, and has mentioned he is acquired a chip on his shoulder on the subject of the groups that handed on him.