Projected Top-5 Pick Shocks Everyone, Rescinds NCAA Commitment

Cole Eiserman, top prospect for the 2024 NHL draft, has de-committed from the NCAA Minnesota Golden Gophers. The potential superstar in the making stated that he wants to play closer to home according to Evan Marinofsky of the New England Hockey Journal.

Eiserman is currently the 2nd ranked player by TSN's Bob McKenzie for the 2024 NHL Draft. He had committed to the Golden Gophers last September, choosing to play NCAA Hockey following his draft eligible season.

Eiserman spent last season with the United States National Team Development Program (USNDTP). He led the program's U17 Team in scoring with 72 Points in 42 Games, good enough for 3rd all-time in single season scoring. He did play for the U18 team as well where he put up 26 Goals and 32 Points in 20 Games. That mark was good enough for 5th all-time in points per game for players with at least five games played. He trailed only Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, Phil Kessel, and Jack Eichel.

Eiserman will remain with the USNDTP for his draft eligible season where he is expected to be among the leaders on the U18 squad. With this recent development, his options for the following season are now very open.

Theoretically, this would have opened the door for the top prospect to play games in the NHL next year, but he will still be playing NCAA hockey instead. As previously mentioned, he reportedly wanted to play closer to home so the two logical options for the Massachusetts native would have been Boston College and Boston University.

Boston University ended up getting the rose from Eiserman where he will be joined by fellow 2024 Top Prospect Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini and Eiserman played together in Shattuck-St. Mary's program and the two are said to be good friends.