Top Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman is expected to return to Boston University for his sophomore season in 2025-26, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com and The Hockey News reports. He’ll wait at least another year before considering signing his entry-level contract.
Selected 20th overall by the Isles in last year’s draft, Eiseman is the crown jewel of New York’s prospect pool by a gargantuan margin. He checked in as the No. 18 prospect in the league in Scott Wheeler of The Athletic’s winter 2025 rankings, the only Islander in the top 100. He’s among the top three up-and-coming left-wingers with truly elite shooting talent, although drawbacks in other aspects of his game caused him to fall out of the top 10 in 2024.
He made strides in those areas in his freshman year with the Terriers, though. He also finished fourth on the team in points and led them in goals with 25-11–36 in 39 games, helping them advance to the national championship game. It’s easy to see why, assuming the Islanders don’t envision him in the NHL next year, he’d prefer developing in the collegiate environment that’s treated him quite well thus far. New York’s AHL affiliate in Bridgeport isn’t a desirable development destination at the moment – they’re set to finish last in the league by a wide margin with a 15-48-4-3 record through 70 games.
But overall, Eiserman’s post-draft year should inspire confidence in his selection, especially that late in the first round. He also managed a point per game for the United States at this year’s World Juniors despite averaging the least ice time of any forward. While he’ll never be a premier play-driver, he’s a slam-dunk future first-line winger and top power-play fixture in a supportive environment. It’s hard not to see him in the NHL beginning with the 2026-27 campaign.
Cole Eiserman’s decision is smart from his perspective for his development. However, Eiserman could be seeing how the Islanders look by 2026 as he may not want to go there in the end. Not saying that’s the case, just because a talent goes back to school doesn’t mean he won’t eventually sign.
Unfortunately for teams though, these college players have options & can escape from the team that drafted them (which sucks for teams) based on how the CBA is currently structured between the NHL & the college system. It’s challenging for teams right now.
The kid can score from just about anywhere, but another year at BU will be good for him to round out his game. Besides, he can play at the WJC again!