Yesterday, during the NHL draft, the absence of Patrick Roy created obvious unease in the Sphere and at the Islanders table.
While all the coaches were present, even Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers, who had just lost a 7th Stanley Cup game, Roy chose to stay in Quebec with his grandchildren.
It is rumored that Roy hates Las Vegas to the highest degree, which could explain his absence. But it was his first draft as coach of the Islanders. It is very strange not to have seen it.
Meanwhile, the Islanders selected Cole Eiserman, a player who was the opposite of Roy’s values.
Eiserman, a scorer known for his arrogance, defensive laziness, and selfishness with the puck, saw his rating drop from 2nd place at the start of the year on all lists to 20th.
It was clear that the prospect was frustrated after the draft. Eiserman will have to show more humility and work, or Roy will not spare him.
Cole Eiserman’s name was once on everyone’s lips, drawing admiration from scouts and fans alike. But now he’s been pushed into the shadows, out of the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft.
However, for him, these rankings are just numbers on paper. He arrogantly told the media after the draft.
“Your selection rank doesn’t really matter. I focus on the concrete. When you walk on stage after hearing your name, that’s real.”
“Anyway, all I care about is making those who ignored me pay.”
Eiserman combines confidence and arrogance, creating an impressive confidence. But he must be careful not to fall into arrogance or pretension.
He was definitely angry yesterday. Telling us he doesn’t care about being selected 20th is a lie. But yesterday he said something interesting: all that matters is what happens on the ice.
When he experiences the moment when his name resonates in a packed arena after a goal is scored, that’s what’s important to him. Selfish, you say? Patrick Roy will pick it up.
“Scoring goals is something I’ve enjoyed my whole life! I know that deceiving goalkeepers is a natural attribute for me, but I’ve never stopped working on it. Find news ways to deceive the guards is something fascinating to me.”
Not a single word about team play. Roy must be in a cold sweat right now, he who hates individualistic players.
His record is impressive, having beaten Cole Caufield’s absolute record. But despite this, doubts persist about his defensive play and his selfishness on the ice.
“I hear that a lot. I think people just don’t see the games the way I do. I see hockey in a different way and that’s the reason why I’ve always produced so much.”
“I think the work aspect in my case is definitely brought up too often. But my coaches and my teammates know that I work, so I’m not affected by that.”
Unfazed, Eiserman acknowledges the criticism, but doesn’t dwell on it. For him, scoring goals is an art that he has always cultivated. He knows he also has to work on his defensive game to help his team win.
“I’ve put a lot of effort into my 200-foot game over the last two years. Obviously, I’m still going to be Cole Eiserman, the scorer. But I also know that it’s important for me to be involved defensively for help my team win.”
He’s preparing for the NHL, playing for Patrick Roy, where he plans to score “several goals” and use his size to his advantage.
“I can spend hours analyzing the shooting techniques of Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin. When you combine their shooting skills, you end up with a pretty complete arsenal.”
Kent Hughes swears Michael Hague was on his list before Eiserman. The Canadiens GM remains unmoved and claims he moved up to 21st for Hague and not the Islanders’ new goal scorer.
Meanwhile, Eiserman sends a message to Patrick Roy. He is a team player, no matter what the evil tongues say.
“I like having the puck, that’s true. But I think my teammates trust me. I’m not going to stop asking for the puck and controlling it. I like to be the one who dictates the pace of a game. I’m not going to lose my natural self.”
No matter where he lands, he is confident he will score goals and push the boundaries of his game.
“I continue to charge headlong without thinking about what the detractors may say. I’m not going to change for anyone.”
Hmm. He has no choice. He will have to trade for Patrick Roy. Otherwise, things will degenerate in the Islanders locker room.
