Islanders pick record-setting goal-scorer Cole Eiserman in 2024 NHL Draft

LAS VEGAS — There was no deal waiting for the Islanders at the first round of this NHL draft. Instead, for the first time since 2019, general manager Lou Lamoriello arrived at the microphone with a pick to announce in the first round.The Islanders made Cole Eiserman their selection at 20th overall, elevating the Boston University commit who set a goal-scoring record at the U.S.

National Team Development Program to instant status as the organization’s top prospect, even as questions linger over the left-winger’s boom-or-bust potential. “I’m definitely a shooter that loves to score goals,” Eiserman said.“I’m gonna bring a positive attitude and definitely a competitive side.

As time goes on, I’m definitely gonna be able to be more physical and use my body a lot.” The 17-year-old from Newburyport, Mass., was one of the most intriguing prospects in the lead-up to this draft.A year ago, some analysts projected him as one of the best five players in the draft, but a season in which Eiserman scored over a goal per game but struggled defensively and away from the puck saw his stock fall to where the Islanders could take a swing with him as late as 20th. “We had him rated pretty high.

So we were excited that he was there when we picked,” general manager Lou Lamoriello said.“That’s all we can say.

As far as when people fall, everybody has their own preference.But we were looking for a certain type of player and we were able to get it.” Lamoriello also said the Islanders would not have traded out of the 20th pick, a departure not just from recent years but from the March trade deadline when he said their first-round pick was available.

(The Islanders did trade the 18th pick along with their second-rounder, moving to 20th overall to get an extra second-round pick). It’s not the first time the Isles have taken a low-floor, high-ceiling prospect from the NTDP whose calling card is scoring and Eiserman has drawn some comparisons to Oliver ...