With the 2025 NHL Draft here, all eyes are on the prospects with the potential to go No. 1 overall.
James Hagens is among the names generating the most buzz. At just 19 years old, the two-time World Junior medalist racked up 37 points (11 goals and 26 assists) this season with Boston College. That production, combined with his work ethic, has kept Hagens ranked inside the top five across multiple draft boards.
Who Is Top NHL Draft Prospect James Hagens?
In Hagens’ NHL Feature on YouTube, Hagens’ parents opened up about how he’s always fought hard to prove himself at a professional level.
“The kids had hockey sticks in their hands from the minute they could walk. Mike and James, as brothers, always played together. Mike and his friends wouldn’t give James an inch, and he had to fight tooth and nail,” Hagens’ mother said. “I think he understood from a really young age that you just got to work hard and be humble, and good things will happen.”
Hagens entered the season with the Boston College Eagles as the projected first-overall pick on numerous draft lists.
Born in 2006, the left-handed center stands at 5’10” and weighs 176 pounds. In 2025, he managed a production level as a point-per-game player with 37 points in 37 games. He’s well-known for his high-level hockey IQ and playing at a fast pace of play.
He’s a dual offensive threat and maintains strong positioning in the offensive zone, all while being responsible enough to backcheck when needed.
According to The Hockey Writers, his current draft projections are as follows:
- NHL Central Scouting: Second (among NA skaters)
- Future Considerations: Second
- Elite Prospects: Second
- Peter Baracchini’s March Rankings: Third
- Logan Horn’s December Rankings: Second
- Andrew Forbes’ February Rankings: Second
- SMAHT Scouting: Second
- Bob McKenzie’s Rankings: Second
- Dobber Prospects: First
- Recruit Scouting Mid-Term Rankings: First
As for his international résumé, Hagens has won gold at both the IIHF U18 World Championship (2023) and World Junior Championship (2025), as well as a silver medal (2024). He was named best forward and MVP at the 2024 World U18 Championship. He also beat Nikita Kucherov’s record for most points at the U18 WJC for a single-tournament record with 21 points.
While he is expected to be one of the top picks, some recent reports indicate that he could fall further than expected, though it remains to be seen what fate awaits Hagens as he prepares for the big night. His accolades are promising, and he could be ready for the next step in his career.
2025 NHL Draft Information
The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft will take place on June 27 (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, and TVAS), and Rounds 2-7 are on June 28 (Noon ET; NHLN, ESPN+, SN, and SN1).
James Hagens once again talks about how much he would love to be an Islander at the NHL Draft Media Day. #Isles pic.twitter.com/Kdl8VOGPJC
— Isles Rumor (@IslesRumor) June 26, 2025
The New York Islanders have the first pick, and Hagens is a Hauppauge, N.Y., native. It’s just a matter of hours before the NHL world finds out if Hagens will achieve his dream of playing for the orange and blue.
