Islanders choose Cole Eiserman 20th overall

The New York Islanders took forward Cole Eiserman with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Cole Eiserman

Eiserman entered the draft as one of the most polarizing prospects available. He was once expected to compete with Macklin Celebrini to be the No. 1 pick but tumbled down draft boards despite otherworldly production with the U.S. National Team Development Program. Eiserman's 58 goals this past season are the third most in a single season at the program, besting the likes of American legends such as Auston Matthews, Patrick Kane, and Phil Kessel.

In 2022-23, he produced the second-best goal-scoring season in USNTDP history with 69 tallies. Eiserman is a volume shooter with a lethal release, and his knack for scoring at every level - he also put away nine goals in seven games at the U18 worlds this year - makes him well worth a first-round pick. Eiserman needs to refine his skating and defensive play to make an impact in the NHL beyond scoring goals, but he has time to develop, as he's committed to Boston University.