There has been a lot of talk around Cole Eiserman for many years. Most of it positive but for the last few months, it looks like the tide has turned. He went from being seen has a potential #1 pick overall in the 2024 NHL draft to being out of the top 10 for many outlets. The recuring theme is the lack of progress, which i disagree with and also the lack of development in other area of his game which again, I disagree with.
It’s important to understand that i dont think Eiserman is a perfect player by any mean. I just think he’s better than many make it out to be. the good thing about it is that I have a whole article mixed with clips and a full youtube video to prove my point or at least support my claims.
But let’s start with the beginning. Cole Eiserman is a left shooting sniping winger. what he he does best and what he always did best was scoring goal. At the time of writting these lines, Eiserman is challenging Cole caufield for his 72 goals in 64 games record with 43 goals in 41 games. To make your life easier and prevent you from taking your calculator out, Caufield was scoring at a 1.125 GPG pace while Eiserman is currently scoring at a 1.05 GPG pace. So not quit there but not too far.
One significant advantage Eiserman has over Caufield though is the size. Eiserman is 6’0″ 195 pounds while Caufield was 5’7″ and 165 pounds. 5 inches and 30pounds is quite significant in a league as physical as the NHL.
One thing I like to point out also is the fact that Eiserman is born on August 29th making him one of the youngest player in draft. He’s basically just a couple days away from being eligible for next year’s draft. So when I look at the flaws in his game, I remember that point and remember he has a lot of development time in front of him to better himself.
Facts
| Age: 17 | Height: 6’0″ |
| Date of Birth: August 29 2006 | Weight: 196 lbs |
| Origin: USA | Position: LW |
| Projection: Top 5/10 | Shoots: Left |
Skill Grades
Statistics
Skating
Regarding his skating, there’s not a great deal to discuss. He possesses a fairly smooth stride and can generate some solid speed. He excels at accelerating through the neutral zone using crossovers, maintaining a straight trajectory. He leans towards being a north-south skater rather than an east-west skater, particularly during transitions. He doesn’t rely heavily on deceptive maneuvers or speed differentials to create separation in tight spaces. While functional, I wouldn’t classify his skating as a standout attribute.
He lacks explosiveness in his skating but compensates with strength in his legs, often leveraging his body to shield the puck from defenders. His powerful stride allows him to drive towards the net effectively. While not explosively quick, he manages to find openings on the ice swiftly enough to take shots before they close down.
In terms of maneuverability, he doesn’t possess elite-level agility. However, I don’t perceive his skating as a hindrance to his potential development, nor do I view it as a critical factor in propelling him to the next level.
Hockey Sense
When evaluating Eiserman’s hockey sense, I primarily consider four aspects: spatial awareness, instinctual play, reading the game, and decision-making.
Eiserman’s spatial awareness is exceptional; he consistently maintains a strong understanding of his position relative to both teammates and opponents. Moreover, he has a knack for finding gaps in coverage, allowing him to seamlessly integrate into offensive plays and exploit scoring opportunities. He demonstrates a keen sense of timing, knowing precisely when to push forward and when to hang back, effectively supporting his team’s offensive efforts.
In terms of reading the play, Eiserman excels at reading the flow of the game. He anticipates passes and identifies openings in defensive coverage with remarkable precision. He exhibits patience, waiting for defenders to commit before capitalizing on advantageous positions.
However, when it comes to decision-making, there is room for improvement. While his shot selection is generally excellent, he tends to default to shooting, even in less favorable situations. It would benefit him to occasionally opt for passing or attempting to maneuver through defenders rather than solely relying on his shot. Improving his decision-making under pressure, particularly in high-speed situations where split-second choices are crucial, could further elevate his game.
Overall, Eiserman’s hockey IQ is a significant strength. His very good off-puck intelligence enhances his overall effectiveness on the ice, and refining his decision-making skills could unlock even greater potential in his game.
StickHandling
Similar to Catton, Eiserman is adept at handling the puck at a high level, but he’s not known for flashy, highlight-reel plays. His primary objective is to release a powerful shot on net. With lightning-quick hands, he effectively shields the puck from defenders, making it difficult for them to disrupt his possession. Even when surrounded by opponents, Eiserman showcases exceptional speed and precision, skillfully navigating through traffic and creating shooting opportunities. This ability is crucial, especially in high-pressure situations where split-second decisions are vital.
Traditionally, shooters aim to position themselves in the middle of the ice for optimal scoring chances. However, this area is often heavily defended, emphasizing the importance of tight stickhandling skills to evade defenders’ sticks and maintain possession.
Thankfully, Eiserman excels in this aspect and more. He demonstrates remarkable proficiency in receiving passes, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. This ability sets him apart and plays a significant role in capitalizing on scoring opportunities. A distinction that can make or break a player’s performance, as seen in Caufield’s struggles during certain periods of the season.
In conclusion, while Eiserman may not rely on flashy stickhandling maneuvers, his exceptional ability to control the puck under pressure and convert scoring chances solidifies his status as a dependable offensive threat.
Compete
It’s no secret anymore that Eiserman isn’t the most diligent worker in the defensive zone, and his backchecking efforts often leave much to be desired. However, there are glimpses of improvement at times. Occasionally, he demonstrates the willingness to track back and apply back pressure, but there are instances where he remains passive, failing even to extend his arm to block a pass in the defensive zone. Clearly, there’s significant room for improvement to make him more competitive and engaged defensively. Nevertheless, his strengths lie in the offensive zone, where his presence is preferred over deep in his own end.
While a certain level of defensive effort is expected from all players, not everyone needs to embody the defensive prowess of a Patrice Bergeron. However, it’s likely that Eiserman will benefit from being paired with a defensively responsible linemate.
In the offensive zone, Eiserman demonstrates commendable competitiveness, warranting an average grade. Although he may not consistently engage in battles deep in the corners or perform the gritty work as some might prefer, he remains involved along the boards. Additionally, his deceptive strength allows him to prevail in puck battles more often than expected. Eiserman isn’t hesitant to forecheck aggressively when an opportunity arises, showcasing effectiveness in this aspect as well.
Furthermore, Eiserman consistently positions himself in the middle of the ice, demonstrating his willingness to take shots and capitalize on scoring opportunities. He’s unafraid to drive to the net and position himself near the crease for potential rebounds.
Despite issues with consistency in his work rate and occasional tendencies to cheat defensively, many of these shortcomings are coachable. It’s important to maintain perspective when evaluating Eiserman’s role – he’s drafted primarily for his goal-scoring ability, not necessarily to excel as a two-way player.
Passing
This aspect of Eiserman’s game often flies under the radar. While it’s true that he’s often labeled as one-dimensional, it’s important not to overlook his puck skills, on-ice intelligence, and vision for creating scoring opportunities through his passing. Admittedly, there’s room for improvement in his decision-making, especially under pressure situations. However, throughout the season, he consistently showcased the ability to make astute reads and deliver precise passes.
Many tend to underestimate the playmaking aspect of his game, but with time, guidance from coaches, and experience, Eiserman has the potential to diversify his offensive contributions. While he may not reach elite status as a playmaker, there’s undeniable talent waiting to be fully tapped into in this area.
His passing abilities extend beyond simple short-range exchanges; he possesses the vision to execute cross-ice passes and make plays against the grain. There’s a certain intuition to his passing game, demonstrated by his ability to find open teammates even when the odds seem stacked against him.
Drawing parallels to Caufield may seem simplistic, but there are notable similarities worth mentioning. Like Caufield, Eiserman’s passing skills have always been evident, yet his decision-making tendencies and lack of experience often led him back to his comfort zone of shooting. However, as Caufield has demonstrated this season, dedication to improving various aspects of his game has resulted in significant growth in his passing game.
Eiserman, too, has the potential to undergo a similar transformation. With the right guidance and commitment to expanding his skill set, he could evolve from a perceived one-dimensional player to a multi-dimensional threat on the ice.
Shooting
Now, this is the one area where Eiserman’s game might seem one-dimensional, but within this dimension, he’s remarkably versatile. In junior hockey, predicting the future trajectory of goal scorers can be unpredictable, ranging from players like Stamkos and Debrincat to others like Mantha. However, Eiserman’s ability to score in numerous ways bodes well for his potential success at higher levels.
Eiserman’s offensive prowess begins with his deadly one-timer. Positioned in open space, he unleashes a slap shot that seems unstoppable, whether aimed short side or against the goalie’s movement. Even though opponents may anticipate his location on the power play, few can thwart the velocity and power behind his shot.
His wrist shot and snap shot are equally impressive, reminiscent of Petterson’s slingshot release. With his hands tucked in until the last moment, he swiftly whips the stick by pulling with the top hand, pushing with the bottom, and generating power by rotating his upper body. This deceptive technique often confuses defenders, making it challenging to discern between a pass and a shot. Eiserman excels at disguising his intentions, making it difficult to anticipate his next move, whether shooting from a standstill or in motion.
His ability to release the puck quickly with immense power while skating at full speed sets him apart. Similar to Matthews, Eiserman possesses a deadly catch-and-release ability, striking fear into opponents when he positions himself close to the net. While he may not reach Matthews’ level, Eiserman’s potential to unleash lightning-quick shots with incredible force is undeniable.
While Eiserman’s game may appear one-dimensional at present, his proficiency in this crucial dimension sets him apart. By capitalizing on his strengths and addressing his weaknesses, he has the potential to evolve into a formidable player at the next level. With his unique talents, Eiserman poses a significant threat on the ice, capable of making a significant impact in the game.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I firmly place Eiserman in my top 5, and if he happens to slip from there before the draft, it’ll likely be because other players have dazzled me, not because of any shortcomings in his play.
When it comes to comparisons, there’s no perfect match in my opinion. While the Caufield comparison is straightforward due to their similar strengths, Eiserman’s larger size and potentially different shot make him stand out.
There are glimpses of Matthews in Eiserman’s game, but Matthews is notably more assertive in utilizing his body and stands as a generational goal scorer in his own right.
So, perhaps there’s a blend of both players in Eiserman’s style, but truthfully, I struggle to find a direct NHL comparison. Sometimes, that’s just the way it goes—you can’t have a perfect match for every player.
