Top Prospects Eiserman and Hagens Begin AHL Journeys With Islanders, Bruins

Cole Eiserman arrived in Bridgeport with a remarkable résumé for a 19-year-old: the first player in U.S. National Team Development Program history with 127 goals, ahead of Cole Caufield and Phil Kessel. James Hagens left Boston College carrying a 47-point sophomore season and a seventh-overall draft pedigree. Both forwards turned pro within days of each other, landing with AHL clubs that could not be more differently positioned in the standings.

Eiserman signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Islanders on March 18 and also signed an amateur tryout contract with the Bridgeport Islanders. He made his pro debut on Saturday afternoon when the Bridgeport Islanders battled the Hershey Bears at 3 p.m. ET. Bridgeport entered that game ranked fifth in the Atlantic Division with 60 points and a record of 26-27-3-5, and picked up a win on Saturday as Eiserman debuted, then added another victory in a 5-1 road decision over the Bears.

The 19-year-old recorded 43 goals with 21 assists for 64 points in 71 games for Boston University. The jump to professional hockey carries obvious adjustment challenges, but Eiserman was candid about the atmosphere he walked into. "This weekend was huge for us, and the games down the stretch are even bigger," Eiserman said. "It feels like playing playoff games in the regular season. Being part of a few practices, I'm just trying to get playoff ready and ready for these games. Every game matters now and it's the most exciting part of the year, and I'm excited to be a part of that group."

Hagens took a different route to the pro ranks. Boston College did not qualify for the NCAA tournament, and the sophomore decided to sign pro. The Bruins announced that Hagens signed an AHL amateur tryout agreement, ending his collegiate career after two seasons at Chestnut Hill. He made his pro debut on Wednesday with the Providence Bruins, logging top-line minutes in Providence's 2-1 victory.

Hagens skated on the wing on Providence's top line with Patrick Brown and Matej Blumel, landed three shots on net, and showcased flashes of high-end skill. It was a quiet night on the score sheet, with the 19-year-old recording zero points, while Riley Tufte and Jake Schmaltz scored for Providence and Michael DiPietro stopped 25 shots. Providence coach Ryan Mougenel made clear from the outset what he wanted from the former Eagle. "We want him to enjoy it. We want him to get his feet wet. We want him to feel contact, I think that's important," Mougenel said.

The two prospects share more than draft pedigree and age: both left prominent Boston-area college programs within weeks of each other to join clubs with pressing postseason stakes. Providence's situation is particularly extraordinary. The Providence Bruins have already clinched a Calder Cup Playoffs berth and are bidding for a first-place finish in the overall AHL standings, needing 17 points in their final 11 games to claim the best regular-season record in league history. Michael DiPietro's shutout performance helped Providence claim its AHL-leading 48th win of the season.

Bridgeport's math is tighter. With just nine points separating fourth place from eighth in the Atlantic Division, and six teams earning postseason berths, every game Eiserman suits up for carries tangible playoff-race weight. Bridgeport captain Matthew Highmore offered a measured message for the incoming rookie: "The message for him is to come in play and have fun. You've got a ton of games ahead of you in your career."

Hagens was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles. His path mirrors one walked by a Bruins icon: Charlie McAvoy signed his ATO with Providence in March 2017 after two standout seasons at Boston University, eventually playing four games against AHL foes while getting acclimated to the pro game. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney framed the move as one designed to leave all options open. "We're very excited to have James join the Bruins organization and take this next step," Sweeney said. "James is an important part of our future, and this is a great opportunity for him to get immediate experience at the professional level in Providence and continue his development, while keeping all options open."

Providence next hosts the Bridgeport Islanders at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on March 28, with puck drop slated for 7:05 p.m. EST — meaning the two prospects could share the ice against each other in a matter of days, with a historic Providence regular season and Bridgeport's playoff survival both on the line.