The New York Islanders got an early look at a pairing that could matter down the road at Rookie Camp, where Cole Eiserman and Victor Eklund lined up together.
That’s a notable sight for the Islanders, because both wingers are among the organization’s top young forwards. Eklund went 16th overall in 2025, while Eiserman was taken 20th in 2024. The two have already started building chemistry, both on the ice and away from it.
Their connection first took shape last season with the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League, where their brief run together produced real offense. In 21 combined games for Bridgeport, they piled up 19 points, including five goals and 14 assists.
“I love playing with him,” Eiserman said. “We get along off the ice, so it's easy on the ice.
[He’s] obviously a really good player, and still getting used to playing with him. Didn't get to play with him too much in Bridgeport, but hoping to play with him a little bit more at this camp.”
Eiserman also singled out what stands out most about Eklund’s game: pace, sharpness and the way he sees the ice.
“Just how quick he is,” Eiserman said, on what impressed him about Eklund's game. “Super smart.
Always plays with his head up, so you can kind of read him a little bit pretty easier than a lot of guys, and kind of let him do his thing. He's like a little buzzsaw player that's pretty cool, and obviously he can score and make passes as well.”
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Pete DeBoer and the rest of the new coaching group are expected to give George a real look when main camp opens, and that alone changes the tenor of his season. Instead of simply trying to stick around, he is now in a legitimate roster battle, one that could decide whether his next step is another developmental detour or a full-time NHL job. [Read more 🡒]