Re: Eiserman
I understand some of the concern on here if he’s the pick at #14 but in no way do I think he’d be a terrible selection there or a reach.
Something I read yesterday really resonated with me.
From an Athletic article (Paywall):
“
Scott Wheeler: I think any conversation about Cole Eiserman has to start with the fact that he’s the best scorer in the draft, and that goals come at a premium. Tij Iginla, Macklin Celebrini, Berkly Catton, Cayden Lindstrom, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and even Emil Hemming are all guys who can really shoot the puck in this draft. None of them have the goal-scoring arsenal, nor the track record, that Eiserman does. His critics will compare him to NTDP alum Oliver Wahlstrom, who didn’t reach his potential because the rest of his game never got there. Wahlstrom scored 72 goals in 125 games at the program. Eiserman scored 127 in 119 games. I think we’re talking about a different level of finisher. And while I share some of the concerns people have about his B game, and his play selection, and his defensive habits, I’ve also seen him impose himself physically and block shots (he’s also a better skater than Wahlstrom was at the same age).
He has also done it as an August 29 birthday who is just a little over two weeks away from 2025 eligibility. I expect him to continue to score at BU and score a lot of goals in the
NHL.”
A few other thoughts:
- The kid has an incredibly gifted shot and just knows how to score. I mean, 127 goals in 119 games in the NTDP is pretty remarkable. I believe he’s currently the all-time leading goal scorer for that program (ahead of Caufield, Matthews, Will Smith, Jack Hughes).
- His dad has recently been battling cancer which is now in remission, which I’m sure took a toll on his development this last year.
- He’s one of the youngest kids in the draft, which means there’s still a lot of room for him to mature both physically and mentally.
- He’s going to a pretty solid developmental program at BU that has a decent track record.
- The friendship between Macklin and Eiserman is well documented but I don’t mind them making Macklin happy. Not to mention I think Macklin’s presence and leadership would bring the best out of Eiserman.
This article from March 22nd was really insightful, too. (Paywall)
At any rate, if Grier sticks to 14 and Levshunov, Buium, Demidov, Lindstrom, Sennecke, Catton, Silayev, Parekh, Catton, Iginla, Dickinson, and Yakemchuk are all gone and it comes down to Helenius, Eiserman, MBN, Solberg or Jirecek, I’m fine with them taking a risk on Eiserman there. And I say that as a big time MBN stan.
I’m emotionally prepared for anything from Eiserman to Jiricek to Beaudoin to Letourneau. I’ll definitely scream when I’m alone but I’ll be super normal in public about it. This is a huge upgrade from when I had a meltdown about the Mueller pick as a 20 year old. Personal growth and all that.
