The New York Islanders have signed forward Cole Eiserman, the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, to a three-year entry-level contract, the club announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, in keeping with team policy.
Eiserman joins the organization after a prolific run with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP), where he finished his tenure as the program’s all-time leading goal scorer. His record-setting production at the NTDP has made him one of the more closely watched young forwards in his draft class, particularly for his finishing ability and shot.
Selected 20th overall in 2024, Eiserman immediately became one of the Islanders’ most notable prospects upon being drafted. The agreement on an entry-level contract formally brings him into the professional ranks and positions him to begin his path toward the NHL with the organization that invested a first-round pick in his potential.
By securing Eiserman on a three-year entry-level deal, the Islanders lock in a key piece of their long-term plan. Entry-level contracts are standard for players of his age and experience, providing cost certainty for the team and a defined structure for the player as he transitions to professional hockey. The length of the deal also gives the organization time to evaluate his development and determine the best route for his progression within the system.
Eiserman’s history at the NTDP has been defined by his ability to score from various areas of the offensive zone, using a quick release and strong shooting mechanics. Becoming the NTDP’s career leader in goals is notable given the number of high-end NHL players who have come through the program over the years. That track record has created expectations that his scoring touch could eventually translate to the NHL level once he adapts to the pace and physicality of the pro game.
For the Islanders, adding a young forward with Eiserman’s credentials addresses an organizational priority of building out scoring depth in their prospect pool. While the timing of his potential arrival in the NHL lineup will depend on his development and the team’s assessment of his readiness, the signing is a significant step in integrating him into the franchise.
With the contract in place, Eiserman will now focus on the next phase of his career under the Islanders’ guidance. The organization will determine his immediate playing environment, with attention on his continued growth, adjustment to the professional schedule, and refinement of his overall game to complement his well-established goal-scoring ability.
