Top 2024 NHL Draft prospect Cole Eiserman decommits from University of Minnesota

It’s not every day a top NHL Draft prospect decommits from a quality college hockey program.

As first reported by New England Hockey Journal’s Evan Marinofsky, Cole Eiserman will not play for the University of Minnesota in 2024-25 and will look to play NCAA hockey closer to home.

A native of Newburyport, Mass., that could mean a spot at Boston University or Boston College could be an option for the high-scoring star.

Projected to go in the top three of the 2024 NHL Draft, Eiserman had one of the best scoring seasons in USA Hockey National Team Development Program history when he scored 69 goals and 104 points between the U-17 and U-18 teams. With 12 goals and 20 points at the U-18 World Hockey Challenge, Eiserman had one of the best showings in tournament history, only bested by linemate James Hagens, who had 21.

Known for his quick release, Eiserman has drawn comparisons to Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin. Many expect Eiserman to break Cole Caufield’s USNTDP record of 72 goals this year, and he’s already off to a great start with five in eight games.

Macklin Celebrini, the favorite to go No. 1 in 2024 — and a good personal friend of Eiserman — is set to begin his freshman season at BU this fall. While Celebrini has a good chance of going straight to the NHL next year, the chance of seeing them both together again could be compelling.

As of now, there’s no indication of which school Eiserman could choose. But regardless, it’s likely a one-and-done given his profile stature as a top prospect.

Eiserman has a chance to represent the United States at the upcoming World Junior Championship in Sweden. The 17-year-old stood out during the summer tournament, but could be the odd-man out in favor of older competition.

The Moncton Wildcats drafted Eiserman seventh in the 2022 QMJHL American Draft.