While four teams continue to battle it out for the Stanley Cup, the rest of the NHL has already shifted focus to the next big moment — the 2025 Draft. For front offices and fans alike, it’s a time filled with speculation, strategy, and hope. Who will be the next breakout star?
The Nashville Predators may have slipped in the draft order, but could still walk away with a major win. Let’s dive into what the future might hold and why a certain All-American MVP has their full attention.
Nashville Predators Eye All-American MVP James Hagens as Franchise Cornerstone
The Predators are reportedly setting their sights on James Hagens, the 2024 All-American MVP, as a potential first-round selection. Despite the sting of falling from third to fifth overall in the draft lottery, Nashville remains in a prime position to secure a top-tier talent.
Hagens has been very productive and can consistently push the pace of play. Plus, he has elite-level playmaking and offensive awareness, which makes him a threat on every shift.
Again, Hagens could go No. 1 overall to the Islanders. However, he grew up an Isles fan, and there’s some smoke that he could be their pick to start the draft.
Hagens, a standout center from Boston College, has delivered an impressive freshman campaign, tallying 37 points in 37 games. His stock rose even higher following a stellar performance at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he played a crucial role in Team USA’s gold medal run.
Known for his elite playmaking skills and offensive awareness, Hagens has been a dominant force in the U.S. National Team Development Program, amassing 102 points in 58 games during his draft year. His agility and vision on the ice make him a constant threat, attributes that align well with Nashville’s need for a dynamic center to build their future around.
Several draft projections place Hagens as a likely top-three pick, with some even suggesting he could be selected first overall by New York. That said, there remains a possibility that he could still be available when Nashville steps up to the podium with the fifth overall selection. If that scenario unfolds, it would present a golden opportunity for the Predators to add a game-changing talent to their organization.
For Nashville, landing a player of Hagens’ caliber would be a major step toward retooling their offense and securing a long-term centerpiece at center ice. Drafts often unfold in funny ways, and sometimes it pays to be more lucky than good. That could be the case if Hagens falls to the fifth.