Projected Top-5 Picks Shocks Everybody and Ditches Team

Major NCAA news as 2024 Top Draft Prospect Cole Eiserman has de-committed from the University of Minnesota, according to a report.

Cole Eiserman, one of the 2024 NHL Draft's top prospects, has chosen to de-commit from the NCAA Minnesota Golden Gophers, wanting to be closer to home, according to Evan Marinofsky of the New England Hockey Journal.

Eiserman, ranked 2nd by TSN's Bob McKenzie's 2024 NHL Draft Rankings, committed to Minnesota last September, enrolling to play NCAA Hockey for the 2024-25 season.

Eiserman led the United States National Team Development Program (NTDP) U17 Team in scoring with 72 Points in 42 Games last season, 3rd all-time in U17 Points. Playing for the U18 team as well, Eiserman had 26 Goals and 32 Points in 20 Games, 5th all-time in PPG for players with 5GP+, behind Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, Phil Kessel & Jack Eichel, all top 5 Picks.

It's not known where Eiserman will commit. Eiserman is playing with the NTDP U18s for the 2023-24 season, expected to head to College next season if he is not in the NHL. Eiserman, who is reported to want to play close to home, is a Massachusetts native. Two potential options for Eiserman include Boston University and Boston College.

Boston University already has 2024 Top Prospect Macklin Celebrini, who played with Eiserman in the High School Hockey system for the famed program Shattuck-St. Mary's. Both are friends with each other and could potentially play together once more if neither makes the NHL at 18.

Another potential option is Boston College, which a few days ago got a commitment from 2025 Top Prospect and Eiserman's NTDP teammate James Hagens. Eiserman and Hagens led in scoring at the 2023 WHC U17s, Hagens and Eiserman having 21 and 20 points respectively. Hagens, like Celebrini, could potentially enter BC early, accelerating his education timeline, as Celebrini did to join the Terriers early.

UMass-Lowell may not be a more high-level option, but Eiserman's father Bill, and older brother William played for the Hockey program. The QMJHL Moncton Wildcats own Eiserman's CHL rights, but it does not appear that Eiserman will join the Wildcats.

UPDATE: Eiserman wound up choosing BU and will be paired with projected 2024 1st overall pick Macklin Celebrini.

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