Cole Eiserman Rookie Cards Guide 2026

Published: January 10, 2026

⏱️ 15 min read

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Table of Contents

Who Is Cole Eiserman?

Cole Eiserman is an American right winger selected 20th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2024 NHL Draft. Widely regarded as one of the most elite goal scorers in recent U.S. development program history, Eiserman combines exceptional shooting ability with high hockey IQ and competitive drive.

Born July 30, 2005, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Eiserman played for the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) before being drafted. He’s currently developing his game at Boston University (NCAA), working on the defensive and playmaking aspects that will determine whether he becomes a pure goal-scorer or a complete offensive player at the NHL level.

Career Highlights

  • 2024 NHL Draft: 20th overall, New York Islanders
  • USNTDP: 120+ goals in 110 games (record-breaking pace)
  • 2024 World Junior Championship: Gold medal with USA
  • Shooting: Elite shot, quick release, goal-scoring instincts
  • Boston University: NCAA development, improving two-way play

Key Takeaways:

  • Cole Eiserman’s elite goal-scoring ability (120+ goals in 110 USNTDP games) makes him one of the most prolific U.S. development scorers in history.
  • Current card values reflect 20th overall draft position ($15-75 for base rookies, $200-800 for autos), offering value compared to top-10 picks.
  • Investment upside depends on NHL debut impact: if he scores 30+ goals as a rookie, card values could 3-5x; if he struggles defensively, values may stagnate.
  • Best cards to target: 2024 Upper Deck The Cup Rookie Patch Auto (/249, $600-800) and 2024 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto (/999, $250-400) offer balance of prestige and affordability.
  • Timing strategy: buy now before NHL debut (late 2025/early 2026) for lowest prices, or wait for first 10-game NHL performance to assess before committing.

2024 NHL Draft: 20th Overall Pick

Draft Position Context

Eiserman’s selection at 20th overall was considered a slight “fall” by some analysts who projected him as a top-15 pick based purely on offensive production. However, concerns about his defensive game, skating, and two-way play caused some teams to pass, creating a value opportunity for collectors.

Draft Slide Factors:

  • Defensive awareness and commitment
  • Skating speed and acceleration
  • Playmaking vs. pure shooting
  • Questions about translating offense to NHL

Why Islanders Were a Good Fit:

  • Strong defensive system can shelter offensive specialists
  • Need for goal-scoring on offense
  • Patient development philosophy
  • Good track record with drafted forwards

Historical 20th Overall Pick Performance

Recent 20th overall selections who became impact players:

  • 2010: Vladimir Tarasenko (STL) - Multiple 30+ goal seasons, star
  • 2013: Valeri Nichushkin (DAL) - Solid top-six forward
  • 2016: Logan Brown (OTT) - Bust, minimal NHL impact
  • 2019: Philip Broberg (EDM) - Solid defenseman
  • 2021: Isak Rosen (BUF) - Still developing

Historical Pattern: 20th overall picks are hits approximately 30-40% of the time (top-six NHL impact), with 10-15% becoming stars.

Playing Style and Strengths

Elite Goal Scoring

Eiserman’s defining trait is pure goal-scoring ability:

Strengths:

  • Shot Release: Lightning-quick, catches goalies off-guard
  • Shot Power: Heavy wrist shot and one-timer
  • Goal-Scoring Instincts: Always in scoring position, nose for net
  • Shooting Volume: Not afraid to shoot, creates offense through quantity + quality
  • Hockey IQ (Offensive): Reads plays, finds soft spots in coverage

USNTDP Production:

  • 120+ goals in 110 games (record-breaking pace)
  • Led all USNTDP forwards in goals
  • Comparable to past elite scorers (Auston Matthews, Phil Kessel)

Areas for Development

Weaknesses:

  • Defensive Awareness: Needs improvement in own zone
  • Two-Way Play: Can be a liability without the puck
  • Skating: Average NHL speed, lacks elite acceleration
  • Playmaking: Shoot-first mentality sometimes misses passing lanes
  • Physical Play: Needs to add strength for NHL battles

NHL Projection

Upside (75th Percentile): 35-40 goal scorer, power-play specialist, Cam Atkinson/Phil Kessel type Realistic (50th Percentile): 25-30 goal scorer, top-nine winger, Kevin Fiala lite Floor (25th Percentile): Tweener, AHL/NHL bubble player if defense doesn’t improve

Development Path and Timeline

Current Status (2025-26 Season)

Boston University (NCAA)

  • Improving defensive game under strong coaching
  • Developing playmaking to complement shooting
  • Adding strength and speed
  • Expected 30-40 goals in sophomore NCAA season

NHL Timeline

Most Likely Path:

  • 2025-26: Finish NCAA season at Boston University
  • Spring 2026: Sign entry-level contract with Islanders
  • Late 2025-26 or 2026-27: NHL debut
  • 2026-27 or 2027-28: Full-time NHL player (age 21-22)

Accelerated Path (Less Likely):

  • Strong NCAA season leads to midseason NHL call-up (2025-26)
  • Makes Islanders roster out of camp (2026-27)

Conservative Path:

  • Additional year at BU (2026-27)
  • AHL development (2027-28)
  • NHL full-time (2028-29)

Card Value Timing

Critical Windows:

  1. Now-Draft+1 Year (2024-2025): Lowest prices, pre-NHL hype
  2. NHL Debut Announcement: 20-40% spike on call-up news
  3. First 10 Games: 2-5x surge if strong start, -30% if struggles
  4. First Full Season: Value stabilizes based on role and production

Top Cole Eiserman Rookie Cards to Collect

Premium Cards ($500-1,500)

1. 2024 Upper Deck The Cup Rookie Patch Auto (/249)

  • Price Range: $600-800
  • Why Collect: Premium hockey product, RPA is the gold standard
  • Parallel to Chase: Red /99 ($1,200-1,800), Gold /25 ($3,000-5,000)

2. 2024 Upper Deck The Cup Rookie Auto (/249, No Patch)

  • Price Range: $350-500
  • Why Collect: Same prestige as RPA, more affordable entry point

Mid-Range Cards ($200-500)

3. 2024 SP Authentic Future Watch Auto (/999)

  • Price Range: $250-400
  • Why Collect: Classic SP Authentic design, solid print run
  • Parallel to Chase: Red /100 ($600-900), Gold /25 ($2,000+)

4. 2024 Upper Deck Series 1 Young Guns Auto

  • Price Range: $200-350
  • Why Collect: Iconic Young Guns design with autograph
  • Parallel to Chase: Exclusives /100 ($500-800), High Gloss /10 (rare)

Budget Cards ($50-200)

5. 2024 Upper Deck Series 1 Young Guns (Base)

  • Price Range: $50-100 (PSA 10: $150-200)
  • Why Collect: THE standard hockey rookie, affordable
  • Parallel to Chase: Canvas ($150-250), Clear Cut ($200-300)

6. 2024 Upper Deck Series 2 Young Guns (If Applicable)

  • Price Range: $40-80
  • Why Collect: Secondary Young Guns option if S1 unavailable
  • Less Prestigious: Series 2 commands lower premiums

7. 2024 SP Authentic Future Watch (Base, No Auto)

  • Price Range: $75-150
  • Why Collect: Classic design, FWA subset desirable
  • Grade It: PSA 10 adds 50-100% premium

Entry-Level Cards ($15-50)

8. 2024 Upper Deck Series 1/2 Base Rookies

  • Price Range: $15-30
  • Why Collect: Lowest entry point for Eiserman exposure
  • Limited Upside: Base cards see minimal appreciation

9. 2024 O-Pee-Chee Platinum Rookies

  • Price Range: $20-40
  • Why Collect: Colorful design, retail availability
  • Parallel Options: Colors (/199, /99, /50, etc.) add scarcity

10. 2024 Upper Deck MVP Rookies

  • Price Range: $10-20
  • Why Collect: Cheapest Eiserman rookie option
  • Limited Market: MVP has minimal resale market

Card Values and Price Guide

Current Market Prices (January 2026)

CardRaw/BasePSA 10Auto/Parallel
Young Guns Base$60$150$250 (Auto)
The Cup RPA /249N/AN/A$700
SP Auth FWA /999N/AN/A$300
The Cup Auto /249N/AN/A$425
OPC Platinum$25$60Varies by parallel
UD Base$15$40$200 (Auto)

Historical Comparable: Matt Barzal (20th Pick, 2015)

Barzal Timeline (Reference for Eiserman Projection):

  • Draft (2015): Young Guns $20, Cup RPA /99 $150
  • NHL Debut (2017): Young Guns $100, Cup RPA $600
  • Calder Trophy (2018): Young Guns $250, Cup RPA $1,500
  • Current (2026): Young Guns $80, Cup RPA $800 (post-peak decline)

Key Lesson: Peak value occurs first elite season, then corrections occur unless sustained elite production continues.

Investment Analysis and Potential

Bull Case (Optimistic 3-5x Returns)

If Eiserman:

  • Scores 30+ goals as rookie
  • Makes NHL All-Rookie team
  • Establishes himself as top-six scorer
  • Becomes Islanders’ offensive centerpiece

Expected Outcomes:

  • Young Guns: $60 → $200-300 (3-5x)
  • Cup RPA: $700 → $2,000-3,500 (3-5x)
  • SP FWA: $300 → $900-1,500 (3-5x)

Base Case (Modest 1.5-2x Returns)

If Eiserman:

  • Scores 20-25 goals as rookie
  • Solid but unspectacular debut
  • Becomes reliable top-nine forward
  • Steady but unremarkable career

Expected Outcomes:

  • Young Guns: $60 → $100-120 (1.5-2x)
  • Cup RPA: $700 → $1,000-1,400 (1.5-2x)
  • SP FWA: $300 → $450-600 (1.5-2x)

Bear Case (Flat to Negative Returns)

If Eiserman:

  • Struggles defensively, limited ice time
  • Scores 10-15 goals, relegated to fourth line/press box
  • Never establishes as NHL regular
  • Becomes AHL player or bust

Expected Outcomes:

  • Young Guns: $60 → $30-40 (-30-50%)
  • Cup RPA: $700 → $300-500 (-50-70%)
  • SP FWA: $300 → $150-200 (-50-60%)

Risk-Adjusted Return Estimate

Probability-Weighted Expected Returns (3-Year Horizon):

  • Bull Case (20% probability): +200-300%
  • Base Case (50% probability): +50-100%
  • Bear Case (30% probability): -40-60%

Expected Value: +30-60% (modest positive expectation with significant downside risk)

Comparison to Similar Prospects

Offensive Specialists Who Succeeded

Phil Kessel (5th Pick, 2006)

  • Pure goal scorer, defensive weaknesses
  • 400+ career NHL goals, productive career
  • Card values sustained strong due to offense

Cam Atkinson (157th Pick, 2008)

  • Undersized goal scorer, great shot
  • 30+ goal seasons, productive career
  • Late-round pick, exceeded expectations

Offensive Specialists Who Struggled

Nail Yakupov (1st Pick, 2012)

  • Elite junior scorer, couldn’t translate
  • Defensive deficiencies, inconsistent
  • Cards crashed hard despite #1 pick pedigree

Jesse Puljujärvi (4th Pick, 2016)

  • High draft pick, limited NHL impact
  • Playing in Europe after disappointing NHL career
  • Cards lost 80-90% of value

Key Differentiator

Success Factor: Eiserman must show defensive improvement and situational versatility. Pure scorers succeed in NHL only if they can stay on ice in all situations.

Buying Strategy

When to Buy

Now (Pre-NHL Debut)

  • Pros: Lowest prices, maximum upside if he stars immediately
  • Cons: Risk of stagnation or decline if development falters

After First 10 NHL Games

  • Pros: More information, reduced uncertainty
  • Cons: Prices will surge 50-200% if strong debut

During Rookie Season Slumps

  • Pros: Buy dips when he goes 5-10 games without goals
  • Cons: May indicate deeper issues

What to Buy

Conservative Investor:

  • Young Guns base or PSA 10 ($60-150)
  • Low entry, limited downside, still profitable if he succeeds

Moderate Investor:

  • SP Authentic FWA /999 ($300)
  • Good balance of prestige and affordability

Aggressive Investor:

  • The Cup RPA /249 ($700)
  • Premium product, highest upside if he stars

Diversified Investor:

  • 1x Young Guns ($60)
  • 1x SP FWA ($300)
  • 1x Lower parallel /99 or /49 ($150-300)
  • Spread risk across price points

Where to Find Value

  • eBay auctions: Set price alerts, snipe ending auctions
  • COMC: Filter by price, combine shipping
  • Card shows: Negotiate with dealers
  • Group breaks: Team breaks (Islanders) for targeted exposure

Risks and Red Flags

Development Risks

1. Defensive Improvement Plateau If Eiserman can’t improve defensively, NHL coaches won’t trust him in close games or penalty-killing situations, limiting ice time.

2. Skating Speed NHL is faster than college/juniors. If his average skating becomes a liability, he won’t create scoring chances.

3. One-Dimensional Offense If he remains purely a shooter without playmaking, NHL defenses adapt and shut him down.

Team Context Risks

1. Islanders’ System Lou Lamoriello and Patrick Roy emphasize defense. Offensive specialists sometimes struggle to fit.

2. Depth Chart Competition Islanders have established forwards. Eiserman may face limited opportunities.

3. Organizational Changes GM/coach changes could affect development philosophy.

Market Risks

1. Hockey Card Market Size Hockey is the smallest major sport market. Even star players see limited appreciation compared to basketball/football.

2. 20th Pick Stigma Mid-first-round picks lack the pedigree premium of top-10 selections.

3. Goal-Scorer Volatility Goal scorers are streaky—hot streaks create hype, cold streaks create panic selling.

Long-Term Outlook

5-Year Projection (2026-2031)

Best Case (20% Probability):

  • Eiserman becomes 35-40 goal scorer
  • Multiple All-Star selections
  • Islanders’ offensive leader
  • Young Guns: $300+, Cup RPA: $3,000+

Realistic Case (50% Probability):

  • Eiserman becomes 25-30 goal scorer
  • Solid top-six forward
  • Consistent but not elite production
  • Young Guns: $100-150, Cup RPA: $1,000-1,500

Worst Case (30% Probability):

  • Eiserman plateaus as tweener
  • Inconsistent NHL role
  • Career journeyman or Europe-bound
  • Young Guns: $30-50, Cup RPA: $300-500

Competitive Positioning

Eiserman cards offer mid-range risk-reward profile:

  • More Upside Than: Late first-rounders, second-rounders
  • Less Upside Than: Top-5 picks (Celebrini, Demidov, Lindstrom)
  • Similar Risk Profile To: Other 15-25 picks (Catton, Sennecke)

Where to Buy Eiserman Cards

Online Marketplaces

  • eBay: Largest selection, auction and BIN options
  • COMC: Deep inventory, combined shipping
  • StarStock: Mobile-friendly marketplace
  • Whatnot: Live breaks, team breaks

Local Options

  • Card Shows: Negotiate prices, see cards in person
  • Local Card Shops: Support local, immediate gratification

Group Breaks

  • Islanders Team Breaks: Targeted exposure
  • Random Team Breaks: Cheaper entry, luck-based
  • Player Breaks: Eiserman-specific hits

Looking to expand your hockey card knowledge? Check out these related guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cole Eiserman a good investment?

Moderate risk-reward. His elite goal-scoring offers upside, but defensive concerns and 20th pick status create downside risk. Expected 30-60% returns over 3 years with significant volatility.

What’s the best Cole Eiserman rookie card to buy?

Upper Deck Young Guns ($60) for budget collectors, SP Authentic Future Watch Auto ($300) for balanced investors, The Cup RPA ($700) for aggressive speculators.

When will Cole Eiserman cards peak in value?

Likely his first 20-30 NHL games if he performs well. If he scores 10+ goals in his first month, expect 2-5x spikes. Sustained peak requires multiple 30+ goal seasons.

Should I wait for NHL debut before buying?

Depends on risk tolerance. Buying now offers lowest prices but highest uncertainty. Waiting 10 games provides clarity but prices will surge 50-200% on strong debut.

How do Eiserman cards compare to Connor Bedard?

Bedard (1st pick, generational) cards are 10-20x more expensive with proportionally higher expectations. Eiserman (20th pick) offers better value/upside ratio but higher bust risk.

Are hockey cards a good investment compared to other sports?

Hockey has the smallest market, limiting upside compared to basketball/football. However, elite players still appreciate significantly, and lower competition creates value opportunities. See our hockey card investment analysis.

Conclusion: Is Eiserman Worth Collecting?

Cole Eiserman represents a classic mid-first-round investment dilemma: elite offensive tools with defensive question marks. For collectors and investors, his cards offer modest upside (2-3x) with significant downside risk (-50%) depending on NHL development.

Collect Eiserman If:

  • You’re an Islanders fan (team collector)
  • You believe in elite goal scorers translating to NHL success
  • You want exposure to 2024 draft class beyond top-5 picks
  • You can afford $60-300 investment with 3-5 year horizon

Avoid Eiserman If:

  • You’re risk-averse (buy proven stars instead)
  • You need short-term liquidity (volatile, illiquid market)
  • You don’t follow hockey closely (information disadvantage)
  • You’re looking for guaranteed returns (no such thing exists)

Final Verdict: Eiserman cards are speculative buys with reasonable risk-adjusted expected returns for informed collectors who understand hockey development timelines and can hold through volatility. They’re not home runs, but they’re not strikeouts either—solid base hits with occasional double potential.

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