In the lead-up to the 2025 NHL Draft, theScore is spotlighting eight of the most intriguing prospects in the class to help you get familiar with the top names before draft night.
First up is James Hagens, who started the year as the projected No. 1 pick. Though he's slipped slightly, he remains one of the premier prospects in the class and likely won't wait long to hear his name called on June 27.
Hagens racked up 39 goals and 102 points in 58 games with the U.S. NTDP leading into his draft year. He starred for the Americans at the Under-18s in 2024, setting the tournament record with 22 points in just seven contests as the United States won silver.
That monster effort broke the American scoring mark of 20 points, set by Jack Hughes and Will Smith in 2019 and 2023, respectively, as well as the overall tournament record of 21 points, which Nikita Kucherov set in 2011.
Hagens centered arguably the best line in the NCAA this season at Boston College. He was flanked by Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, both of whom made their NHL debuts at season's end. Hagens' campaign was good, but his lack of goal-scoring was a concern, and he didn't hit the offensive heights that Adam Fantilli and Macklin Celebrini had as NCAA freshmen.
Still, Hagens is firmly a top-five prospect, and he could find his game again when he's the primary play driver on his line at Boston College.
Best fits
Hagens hails from Long Island and was a New York Islanders fan growing up. He isn't the top-ranked player, but the chance to snag a hometown kid to build around might be too enticing to pass up. If Hagens hits his stride quickly, he could be the missing piece on the top line alongside star playmaker Mathew Barzal or serve as a replacement for Brock Nelson as a second-line center.
The Chicago Blackhawks could also see Hagens as an intriguing running mate for Connor Bedard, given his cerebral game. But Chicago needs more size up front, and Hagens is under six feet.
The Predators desperately need center depth, and Hagens falling to No. 5 would be a boon for general manager Barry Trotz. Nashville is likely his floor on draft night.
What they're saying
"Hagens is the kind of player who's always in motion," Sportsnet's Jason Bukala wrote. "When he has the puck on his stick in transition, he attacks with purpose, and he's blessed with an abundance of creativity and offensive hockey sense."
"He has a dynamic combination of skating and skill reminiscent of American centers like Logan Cooley and Jack Hughes," wrote The Athletic's Corey Pronman. "Hagens' edge work is high-end, and he's extremely elusive in open ice."
"(Hagens) brings a good work rate with excellent speed and two-way ability that should see him effectively drive play at the NHL level," ESPN's Rachel Doerrie wrote.
