A year ago, James Hagens was widely expected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. He had just shattered the single-tournament setting the record at the U18 Worlds Championship in Finland with 22 points, and looked every bit like a future franchise cornerstone.
But as draft day nears, his name seems to be slipping slightly in the projections. While not a dramatic fall, the shift is enough to raise questions. According to NHL analyst Scott Wheeler’s latest mock draft, Hagens may not crack the top five, but that doesn’t mean he’s falling far or that he won’t be a key part of a team’s future core.
James Hagens Projected to Go No. 6 or 7 Despite Early No. 1 Hype, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers Likely Destinations
Hagens, once considered a front-runner for the first overall pick, is projected to fall just outside the top five. Despite this unexpected slide, he remains one of the most sought-after talents in the draft. In Scott Wheeler’s most recent mock draft, the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins, holding back-to-back picks at 6 and 7, are in a prime position to capitalize on the situation.
Both teams reportedly have similar top prospects on their radar, and Hagens is among them. There’s even buzz that the Bruins have explored moving up in the draft to ensure they land one of their top targets.
If Hagens is still on the board at No. 6 or No. 7, it would be hard for either team to pass up the chance to build around such a high-end talent. His speed, playmaking skills, and overall IQ make him the centerpiece that can define a franchise’s forward group for years.
Get to know top 2025 #NHLDraft prospect, James Hagens pic.twitter.com/kakYP7aeAr
— NHL (@NHL) June 25, 2025
What’s intriguing is how sharply Hagens’ draft narrative has shifted over the past year. Just over a year ago, he exhibited a record-setting performance at the IIFH World U18 Championship, bettering Nikita Kucherov’s 21-point record from 2011. His performance in Finland cemented Hagens’ status as a top-tier draft prospect and set the tone for what was supposed to be a dominant draft-eligible season.
But as we approach the 2025 NHL Draft, it’s becoming clear that some teams in the top five, namely the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Utah Mammoth, may not view Hagens as their ideal fit.
The Nashville Predators, who pick at No. 5, are a team many expected to consider him, but their interest in fellow forward Porter Martone could steer them in a different direction. Should Martone be available, the Predators may opt for his size and complete two-way game over Hagens’ finesse.
There are still several franchises interested in Hagens in trade-up scenarios. Notably, the New York Islanders have reportedly looked into acquiring a second top-five pick and might draft Hagens, who hails from Long Island. That homegrown connection, combined with his elite skill set, makes him an enticing target for a team, possibly.
Hagen’s college performance also helps reinforce his value. In his freshman year at Boston College, he tallied 37 points (11 goals and 26 assists) in 37 games, a balanced display of scoring and playmaking.
All in all, Hagens may not be selected first overall as was once expected, but landing with a team like the Flyers, Bruins, Islanders, or any other through a possible trade could place him in an ideal environment to develop and succeed.
