Cole Eiserman, the New York Islanders’ top draft pick for 2024, is entering a pivotal stage in his professional hockey career as he prepares for his first training camp with the organization. The 20-year-old forward, who spent the previous season balancing collegiate play at Boston University with a brief stint in the American Hockey League (AHL), is focused on refining the less glamorous aspects of his game in order to transition successfully to the professional level.
After being selected by the Islanders two years ago, Eiserman initially displayed a strong confidence in his offensive skills and approach to the game. However, during a recent meeting with Jay McKee, the Islanders’ new AHL coach in Hamilton, the forward demonstrated a willingness to embrace constructive criticism and address key areas needing improvement. McKee highlighted Eiserman’s openness about “the details” in hockey, including positioning when away from the puck, defensive engagement, and sustaining high effort on every shift—traits essential for success beyond collegiate play.
“This is someone who, after being drafted, spoke the same night about how he sees hockey differently than a lot of people,” McKee noted, acknowledging the importance of helping Eiserman balance confidence with adaptability. “A lot of young guys won’t address those issues. They’ll just talk about the things that they’re good at and want to work on those things. But he’s addressed that, and that’s a great start.”
Eiserman’s development during his 12-game tenure with the Bridgeport Islanders last season underscored this shift in mindset. He recorded two goals and seven assists, gaining valuable experience against professional competition. Reflecting on that period, Eiserman emphasized the mental and physical adjustments required at the AHL level, particularly in terms of awareness away from the puck and maintaining full focus throughout shifts.
“The biggest thing I learned was just being able to have attention span 100 percent of the game,” Eiserman said following the Islanders’ rookie camp. “Guys are moving around all the time and really good at possessing the puck. They’re not just going to give it to you. You have to work to get it back.”
Over the summer, Eiserman devoted himself to a rigorous training regimen in Boston, aiming to build strength—especially in his legs and core—after feeling underdeveloped when arriving at Boston University last year. His daily routine involved individual workouts in the mornings followed by group skating sessions alongside teammates such as Will Smith, Matty Beniers, and former Islander Marc Gauthier.
Looking ahead, Eiserman views the upcoming training camp as an opportunity to learn and make a strong impression, even though he is not expected to compete for an NHL roster spot immediately. As a first-round pick with notable offensive potential and now a growing awareness of the demands of professional hockey, he remains an important prospect for the Islanders’ future.
“I don’t really know what to expect,” Eiserman said. “Just going in with eyes and ears, trying to put my front foot forward and see what I can do.”