Even with the Stanley Cup Finals underway, the 2025 NHL Draft is still less than four weeks away. Naturally, all eyes are on those prospects who will be selected within the first few picks.
One of those players rumored to go early on is 18-year-old center James Hagens out of Boston College. On most mock drafts, Hagens appears as a consensus top-five selection due to exceptional skating, great vision, quick hands, good speed, and a high level of awareness. All of those qualities were on full display this past season with the Eagles, having recorded 11 goals and 26 assists in 37 games.
Meanwhile, there’s one way in particular in which Hagens has set himself apart from other prospects — he has publicly stated that he knows where he wants to land.
James Hagens Expresses Desire To Be Drafted by the New York Islanders
According to FanSided’s Eyes on Isles, Hagens made it perfectly clear he wants to be a member of the New York Islanders’ roster.
“I want to be able to win a Stanley Cup as an Islander,” Hagens told the “NHL Draft Class” podcast. “The last time I think they raised the cup, my dad was a little kid, and it’d mean a lot to my family, to the people of Long Island, to everyone that supports the team, to be able to bring the Stanley Cup home and raise it one day on the island. Being able to do that where you grow up, where all your friends and family are, it’s special.”
From Hauppauge, New York, Hagens has wanted to be a fan of the blue and orange his entire life. The distance between Hauppauge and the Islanders’ home arena, UBS Arena, is approximately 35.1 miles when driving via I-495 West, which is only a ~65-minute drive.
James Hagens bleeds orange and blue. 🔶🔷
Do the #Isles take him with the 1st overall pick? pic.twitter.com/CSTV7JwkPf
— EVERYDAYISLES  (@EverydayIsles) June 6, 2025
As a result of winning the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, 2025, the Islanders will have the No. 1 pick on Friday, June 27. Should New York take Hagens off the board with the first pick, they’ll be getting an 18-year-old with tons of potential.
MORE: Islanders Looking at Hall of Famer To Right Ship After Winning NHL Draft Lottery
At his young age, he already possesses a high understanding of the more analytical aspects of hockey. The 5’11”, 176-pound player is known for his ability to analyze the game, predict what’s going to happen, and then appropriately adjust his positioning, point of attack, or puck placement to make the best possible play.
Since he made it clear that going to the Islanders is what he wants and that he has the skill set for it, why not make Hagens happy and have him shine at UBS Arena?
