LW Cole Eiserman - USNTDP U18 (2024 draft)

bigdog16

Registered User
Nov 7, 2013
4,483
4,436
USA
You're inventing a scenario where you justify him not working on his two way play, even though that has been id'ed as his main weakness, and is the reason that he has fallen in the rankings.
His coaches who worked with him everyday claimed otherwise.

I'm really not worried about the defensive play. It is the most coachable aspect of the game. He will never be a defensive stalwart, but he is the best goal scorer in the draft.
 

coooldude

Registered User
Jul 25, 2007
3,620
3,304
His coaches who worked with him everyday claimed otherwise.

I'm really not worried about the defensive play. It is the most coachable aspect of the game. He will never be a defensive stalwart, but he is the best goal scorer in the draft.
Read this exchange from The Athletic article and tell me that this sounds like someone who is self aware.

“Cole, what’s wrong?” he [Coach Fohr of the NTDP] asked.

“Ah, it’s just a hard day,” Eiserman said. “I’m just frustrated.”

“OK, well, what did we do today?” Fohr followed up.

“Well, everything was play away from the puck,” Eiserman answered.

“Correct. Cole, that’s hard for you,” Fohr explained. “For a lot of your teammates, it’s easy for them. When we do the other stuff, when we do line rushes and all the offensive stuff, you like those days, those days are easy for you aren’t they?”

“Yeah,” Eiserman said, understanding where his coach was going.

“Those days are hard for your teammates because they’re not as good at scoring as you are. This is just a weakness of yours. And it’s going to be hard. And it’s OK to be frustrated with it a little bit, but understand that this is just something that we’re working on. You’re going to continue to make mistakes but that’s how you learn,” Fohr finished.

~~~~

So yeah, I think it's fair to say that Eiserman's biggest weakness is working on anything other than his #1 best skill, and that weakness is identified by his coaches, and it's even the second defining feature to him after his goalscoring. NHL clubs value coachability and growth mindset because none of these players are a good top draft pick if they're already done developing. Cole is still working on growth mindset and coachability on his play away from the puck, which is a very important part of hockey.

I can't understand why someone would be able to brush all this away with a simple "that's easily coachable." If that were the case, nobody would ever value 2-way play.

As it is, Eiserman is likely to drop and IF he figures out how to grow and value play away from the puck, THEN he has a chance to develop into a value creating goal scorer in the NHL. Since that critical outcome has some warning signs, and his peers in the top 5-15 have shown growth, he may fall and he may fall far.
 

bigdog16

Registered User
Nov 7, 2013
4,483
4,436
USA
Read this exchange from The Athletic article and tell me that this sounds like someone who is self aware.

“Cole, what’s wrong?” he [Coach Fohr of the NTDP] asked.

“Ah, it’s just a hard day,” Eiserman said. “I’m just frustrated.”

“OK, well, what did we do today?” Fohr followed up.

“Well, everything was play away from the puck,” Eiserman answered.

“Correct. Cole, that’s hard for you,” Fohr explained. “For a lot of your teammates, it’s easy for them. When we do the other stuff, when we do line rushes and all the offensive stuff, you like those days, those days are easy for you aren’t they?”

“Yeah,” Eiserman said, understanding where his coach was going.

“Those days are hard for your teammates because they’re not as good at scoring as you are. This is just a weakness of yours. And it’s going to be hard. And it’s OK to be frustrated with it a little bit, but understand that this is just something that we’re working on. You’re going to continue to make mistakes but that’s how you learn,” Fohr finished.

~~~~

So yeah, I think it's fair to say that Eiserman's biggest weakness is working on anything other than his #1 best skill, and that weakness is identified by his coaches, and it's even the second defining feature to him after his goalscoring. NHL clubs value coachability and growth mindset because none of these players are a good top draft pick if they're already done developing. Cole is still working on growth mindset and coachability on his play away from the puck, which is a very important part of hockey.

I can't understand why someone would be able to brush all this away with a simple "that's easily coachable." If that were the case, nobody would ever value 2-way play.

As it is, Eiserman is likely to drop and IF he figures out how to grow and value play away from the puck, THEN he has a chance to develop into a value creating goal scorer in the NHL. Since that critical outcome has some warning signs, and his peers in the top 5-15 have shown growth, he may fall and he may fall far.
Good I hope he falls to the Rangers at 30
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pavel Buchnevich

Washed Up 29YearOld

Bro Do You Even Hockey?
Apr 29, 2018
1,236
1,645
Buffalo NY
It’s one thing to have a great shot, quite another to create space to get your shot off at the NHL level. This player might be the next Zadina. Hope that’s not the case so we see more talent in this league
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sergei Shirokov

Rabid Ranger

2 is better than one
Feb 27, 2002
31,280
11,359
Murica
Here's a good interview with Eiserman: Mark Masters: Draft prospect Eiserman inspired by Matthews' Selke style | TSN

Read this exchange from The Athletic article and tell me that this sounds like someone who is self aware.

“Cole, what’s wrong?” he [Coach Fohr of the NTDP] asked.

“Ah, it’s just a hard day,” Eiserman said. “I’m just frustrated.”

“OK, well, what did we do today?” Fohr followed up.

“Well, everything was play away from the puck,” Eiserman answered.

“Correct. Cole, that’s hard for you,” Fohr explained. “For a lot of your teammates, it’s easy for them. When we do the other stuff, when we do line rushes and all the offensive stuff, you like those days, those days are easy for you aren’t they?”

“Yeah,” Eiserman said, understanding where his coach was going.

“Those days are hard for your teammates because they’re not as good at scoring as you are. This is just a weakness of yours. And it’s going to be hard. And it’s OK to be frustrated with it a little bit, but understand that this is just something that we’re working on. You’re going to continue to make mistakes but that’s how you learn,” Fohr finished.

~~~~

So yeah, I think it's fair to say that Eiserman's biggest weakness is working on anything other than his #1 best skill, and that weakness is identified by his coaches, and it's even the second defining feature to him after his goalscoring. NHL clubs value coachability and growth mindset because none of these players are a good top draft pick if they're already done developing. Cole is still working on growth mindset and coachability on his play away from the puck, which is a very important part of hockey.

I can't understand why someone would be able to brush all this away with a simple "that's easily coachable." If that were the case, nobody would ever value 2-way play.

As it is, Eiserman is likely to drop and IF he figures out how to grow and value play away from the puck, THEN he has a chance to develop into a value creating goal scorer in the NHL. Since that critical outcome has some warning signs, and his peers in the top 5-15 have shown growth, he may fall and he may fall far.
You are really spinning this to suit your narrative.
 

coooldude

Registered User
Jul 25, 2007
3,620
3,304
Here's a good interview with Eiserman: Mark Masters: Draft prospect Eiserman inspired by Matthews' Selke style | TSN


You are really spinning this to suit your narrative.
What the hell kind of narrative do you think I have? I am interested in the draft and I read the articles and watched that interview, too. I love how everyone thinks it's "me" who is saying all these things... it's the majority of the public scouting world and most of the NHL teams that are anonymously on record with all the insiders. Like, I get that it's easy to think it's some poster that's the cause of the opinions you don't like, but I am literally just regurgitating what everyone else is saying.

Your problem is with all of their opinions.
 

keppel146

Registered User
Jun 4, 2010
5,719
660
MinneSOta
Are Wahlstrom and Bellows really the best comps? This is a kid we’re talking about who has the all time NTDP scoring record. Who’s also one of the youngest players in his draft year.
 
Last edited:

Saga of the Elk

Honoured Person
May 31, 2008
3,195
1,000
Read this exchange from The Athletic article and tell me that this sounds like someone who is self aware.

“Cole, what’s wrong?” he [Coach Fohr of the NTDP] asked.

“Ah, it’s just a hard day,” Eiserman said. “I’m just frustrated.”

“OK, well, what did we do today?” Fohr followed up.

“Well, everything was play away from the puck,” Eiserman answered.

“Correct. Cole, that’s hard for you,” Fohr explained. “For a lot of your teammates, it’s easy for them. When we do the other stuff, when we do line rushes and all the offensive stuff, you like those days, those days are easy for you aren’t they?”

“Yeah,” Eiserman said, understanding where his coach was going.

“Those days are hard for your teammates because they’re not as good at scoring as you are. This is just a weakness of yours. And it’s going to be hard. And it’s OK to be frustrated with it a little bit, but understand that this is just something that we’re working on. You’re going to continue to make mistakes but that’s how you learn,” Fohr finished.

~~~~

So yeah, I think it's fair to say that Eiserman's biggest weakness is working on anything other than his #1 best skill, and that weakness is identified by his coaches, and it's even the second defining feature to him after his goalscoring. NHL clubs value coachability and growth mindset because none of these players are a good top draft pick if they're already done developing. Cole is still working on growth mindset and coachability on his play away from the puck, which is a very important part of hockey.

I can't understand why someone would be able to brush all this away with a simple "that's easily coachable." If that were the case, nobody would ever value 2-way play.

As it is, Eiserman is likely to drop and IF he figures out how to grow and value play away from the puck, THEN he has a chance to develop into a value creating goal scorer in the NHL. Since that critical outcome has some warning signs, and his peers in the top 5-15 have shown growth, he may fall and he may fall far.

That conversation with his coach is one of the funniest things I've ever read. There are 2nd grade teachers out there expecting more maturity from their students.
 

bigdog16

Registered User
Nov 7, 2013
4,483
4,436
USA
What the hell kind of narrative do you think I have? I am interested in the draft and I read the articles and watched that interview, too. I love how everyone thinks it's "me" who is saying all these things... it's the majority of the public scouting world and most of the NHL teams that are anonymously on record with all the insiders. Like, I get that it's easy to think it's some poster that's the cause of the opinions you don't like, but I am literally just regurgitating what everyone else is saying.

Your problem is with all of their opinions.
“he may fall and he may fall far” were your words. And there isn’t a reputable source who has him worse than 15. And his aggregate average of all the main scouting services is 11.

This is very much your opinion.
 

coooldude

Registered User
Jul 25, 2007
3,620
3,304
“he may fall and he may fall far” were your words. And there isn’t a reputable source who has him worse than 15. And his aggregate average of all the main scouting services is 11.

This is very much your opinion.
I don't know what it is about you rangers fans. 1) That's literally what scouts have said anonymously on multiple insider articles, 2) fall far in this context is to like 20. He's likely great value at 20. I have also said that. I don't know what you assumed I meant, that he would fall to the third round? There's no way he's falling to 30, which is what you said hoped happen, which I actually thought was a joke.

Again, I guess since you're so insistent, I'm happy to be the face to the massive groundswell of opinion that has collectively dropped Eiserman from #2OA to a likely pick in the 10-15 range or lower. You're welcome, I guess.
 

Michael Farkas

Celebrate 68
Jun 28, 2006
13,790
8,565
NYC
www.hockeyprospect.com
I consider reputable the 19 outlets EP lists. If you have him greater than 15 you are just trying too hard.
Don't tell me, tell the NHL teams that are "trying too hard"...

And I'm not saying he will or won't go in a spot...he's one of the more polarizing players out there depending on how much you value the one elite skill that he offers. It just takes one team to pull the trigger. You're obviously welcome to feel how other pubic lists feel, but in a draft with a lot of tough evals at the top, this is a particularly tough eval from a "where do I put him on the list" perspective...it can cause wonky results...
 

Sergei Shirokov

Registered User
Jul 27, 2012
16,725
7,727
British Columbia
I agree with alot of the critics about his overall game & how well his 5v5 offense will translate.

The problem with his 'two way game' isn't just that he doesn't know defensive details, it's that he's not connected with his teammates on the ice & often doesn't look like he's even trying to be. And it's not just in the defensive zone, it's everywhere on the ice. He plays like he's subbing for someone's beer league team, floating around waiting for an opportunity to get the puck & shoot.

Even offensively when he has the puck he'll often opt for nothing shots rather than moving the puck & maintaining possession for the team.

I dunno. There's alot of work to do and some of the things you read from him aren't reassuring. Maybe worst case he bounces around on bottom feeders for awhile & scores some goals.
 

WeThreeKings

Habs cup - its in the BAG
Sep 19, 2006
93,184
98,516
Halifax
I think what hurts his stock more than just what is absent in his game is that he doesn't seem to get 'it'. He thinks his defensive game and implication in the play is better than it is. He talks about himself a bit too highly.. you gotta wonder if he's coachable enough to fix those flaws.. if not, then how playable is he for a coach?
 

Lafleurs Guy

Guuuuuuuy!
Jul 20, 2007
76,000
46,352
I think what hurts his stock more than just what is absent in his game is that he doesn't seem to get 'it'. He thinks his defensive game and implication in the play is better than it is. He talks about himself a bit too highly.. you gotta wonder if he's coachable enough to fix those flaws.. if not, then how playable is he for a coach?
Definitely a concern. His interviews don’t help him in my opinion. Doesn’t seem to understand that he’s got a lot to work on. There’s a sense of defiance when I hear him talk.
 
Last edited:

coooldude

Registered User
Jul 25, 2007
3,620
3,304
Fohr is out there doing his best to try to combat the coachability narrative. He is trying. On ice results just didn't really show the results "yet"/"as much".


The bull case would say, "he's got a great situation at BU brewing to round out his game for 2-3 years."

I'm still not there, but I'll have to be hopeful if the Sharks take him.
 

Rabid Ranger

2 is better than one
Feb 27, 2002
31,280
11,359
Murica
Fohr is out there doing his best to try to combat the coachability narrative. He is trying. On ice results just didn't really show the results "yet"/"as much".


The bull case would say, "he's got a great situation at BU brewing to round out his game for 2-3 years."

I'm still not there, but I'll have to be hopeful if the Sharks take him.
Combat the coaching narrative? He is the coach!
 

57special

Posting the right way since 2012.
Sep 5, 2012
48,795
20,638
MN
Fohr is out there doing his best to try to combat the coachability narrative. He is trying. On ice results just didn't really show the results "yet"/"as much".


The bull case would say, "he's got a great situation at BU brewing to round out his game for 2-3 years."

I'm still not there, but I'll have to be hopeful if the Sharks take him.
The "narrative" is weird. Eiserman's coach seems to imply that his draft stock is falling because he he neglected scoring in order to work on his two way game this year, but almost everything I've read about him says the opposite. Am i just misreading the article?
 

coooldude

Registered User
Jul 25, 2007
3,620
3,304
The "narrative" is weird. Eiserman's coach seems to imply that his draft stock is falling because he he neglected scoring in order to work on his two way game this year, but almost everything I've read about him says the opposite. Am i just misreading the article?
The coach is trying to come to Eiserman's aid in saying that he's working hard to get better at his off puck play, and that they committed to that together this year even at the expense of his scoring. That's what the interview from the article is saying.

In contrast, the on ice evidence is that he didn't improve much this year in his off puck play. The coach is saying "at least he's trying and committed" and in most interviews Eiserman is saying "yes I did improve my off puck play."

But not enough for most scouting services and apparently NHL teams to keep him in the top 5, where he was at the beginning of the season. Instead, he's mostly listed 6-15, really mostly 11-15, and there's an outside chance he drops to 19-20. The "narrative" that seems so difficult for some people to understand is that NHL teams don't think he's improved his off puck game enough to justify a top 10 pick, despite being the best pure goal scorer in the draft. And because of that, they are concerned he won't be able to improve his off puck play enough to translate his goal scoring to the NHL, and doesn't have a well rounded game to contribute if he's not scoring.

For all you Rangers fans (I still don't get it): don't @ me, go look at all the lists and see where he's ranked and read the write ups. I'm summarizing them for you. My last post was trying to describe a path to him succeeding through a few good years at BU, but apparently that post was hard to read.
 
  • Like
Reactions: majormajor

bigdog16

Registered User
Nov 7, 2013
4,483
4,436
USA
The coach is trying to come to Eiserman's aid in saying that he's working hard to get better at his off puck play, and that they committed to that together this year even at the expense of his scoring. That's what the interview from the article is saying.

In contrast, the on ice evidence is that he didn't improve much this year in his off puck play. The coach is saying "at least he's trying and committed" and in most interviews Eiserman is saying "yes I did improve my off puck play."

But not enough for most scouting services and apparently NHL teams to keep him in the top 5, where he was at the beginning of the season. Instead, he's mostly listed 6-15, really mostly 11-15, and there's an outside chance he drops to 19-20. The "narrative" that seems so difficult for some people to understand is that NHL teams don't think he's improved his off puck game enough to justify a top 10 pick, despite being the best pure goal scorer in the draft. And because of that, they are concerned he won't be able to improve his off puck play enough to translate his goal scoring to the NHL, and doesn't have a well rounded game to contribute if he's not scoring.

For all you Rangers fans (I still don't get it): don't @ me, go look at all the lists and see where he's ranked and read the write ups. I'm summarizing them for you. My last post was trying to describe a path to him succeeding through a few good years at BU, but apparently that post was hard to read.
Lol you have no idea where NHL teams have him ranked. For all we know he could go at 2
 

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad

Ad