The Leafs ought to move up to the draft. Eiserman Cole
Originally published by Jesse Courville-Lynch on The Hockey Writers | Last modified on June 18, 24
There hasn’t been any indication that the Toronto Maple Leafs, who presently own the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, are trying to trade it in order to get a player who can assist them immediately. Having said that, the first round of the 2018 draft is loaded with talented prospects, and the Maple Leafs should be pleased with anyone they choose. They won’t be able to get him until they move up, but there is one candidate in particular that they should try to target and choose if he is available.
Prior to the 2023–24 season, Cole Eiserman was mostly considered the second overall choice in the forthcoming draft. However, a few minor problems with his game caused his value to decline, and he may now tumble out of the top 10. If so, the Maple Leafs ought to aim to move up in the draft to get him since he could be able to improve their offensive output and fit into their lineup. Eiserman may join the Maple Leafs once he finishes his NCAA career and contribute to the team’s freshly constructed lineup, as the organization is anticipated to make significant roster changes before the 2024–25 season. The Maple Leafs ought to have made the necessary adjustments and be getting set to make another run at the Stanley Cup by the time he’s ready to make the switch.
Cole Eiserman: who is he?
Eiserman is an offensively gifted forward who, following more development in the NCAA, should be able to carry over his exceptional scoring prowess to the NHL. He participated in the U.S. National squad Development Program (USNTDP) last season and also made time for their U18 squad and junior team in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In twenty-four games in the USHL, Eiserman averaged 1.42 points per game with 25 goals and nine assists for 34 points. He averaged 1.56 points per game while playing for the USNTDP, with 89 points over 57 games with 58 goals and 31 assists.
Even though he might need to make some adjustments to his defensive style before he can play professionally, he should keep getting better while still producing offensively. He may end up being the draft’s steal if the Maple Leafs are able to trade up and choose him. Eiserman will be available and likely would not be passed over by a few other teams, so the Maple Leafs would need to make an offer that would be worth another team’s time.
To have any chance of getting into the top 10-15 if they expect to choose Eiserman, the Maple Leafs would realistically need to trade their 23rd overall pick, their 2026 third-round pick, and one of their 2024 fifth-round picks. A team in the range of 10 to 15 would very well think about moving down if it meant securing their draft capital for many years to come.
Given that the team hasn’t had a reliable defensive player for a few of seasons, some supporters could be reluctant to select a player who appears one-dimensional and isn’t yet ready to step up defensively. But if they could get Eiserman, another big problem would be resolved, since the Maple Leafs have recently had trouble mustering any offensive output during the postseason.
In order to gain further success, the Maple Leafs will want to get back on track for the 2024–25 campaign and return to the postseason. This season, they were ousted by the Boston Bruins in the first round. Since then, they have started a series of adjustments, including changing the head coach, which will probably last until free agency. The Maple Leafs may challenge for a Stanley Cup for a very long time if they can move up to choose Eiserman and center their prospect pool and future on him and the rest of their core, which consists of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly.
