James Hagens, a center at Boston College, is in the spotlight ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. At 18, he’s drawn strong interest as a top-line, or high-end second-line, center. Scouts like his speed, vision, two-way awareness, and playmaking.
He doesn’t flash like Michael Misa, but the efficiency and structure in his game have put him on everyone’s radar. A small gap, the lack of Misa-level dynamism, is the only thing keeping Hagens from being the obvious choice for some teams.
James Hagens vs. Michael Misa
Hagens thrives on smarts and effort. He plays clean: strong on pucks, wins battles, reads plays. His game isn’t about highlight goals; it’s about reliable plays night in, night out. In 37 games at Boston College, he put up 37 points (11 points and 26 assists). That consistency speaks volumes.
Scouts say Hagens is efficient, not explosive. He excels in space creation and anticipates rushes well. ESPN’s Rachel Doerrie believes Hagens might be a blend of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes “in terms of transition play and creativity.” However, Misa, the Saginaw Spirit standout, has a slight edge of pure offensive burst.
Staying another year in college would help. At Boston College, he’ll lead a line, not ride shotgun. That responsibility could awaken his offensive flash that scouts glimpsed in his 102-point NTDP year.
Meet James Hagens…
The MVP at the 2024 U18 World Championships broke Nikita Kucherov’s all-time tournament points record with 22 in only seven games! 🤯
It’s safe to say he won’t have to wait long to hear his named called at the 2025 #NHLDraft. pic.twitter.com/t2eMN8WSiV
— NHL (@NHL) June 29, 2024
Hagens is not the biggest guy on the ice, and some worry he may get bumped off-center down the line. Yet he shows maturity with good puck support, reliable defense, and subtle moves that create plays. His speed fuels his passing and defensive coverage. He’s the player who breaks up plays, chases the puck, and starts transitions.
If he shifted to wing, he’d still thrive. Players like Mathew Barzal have done it, lined up as wingers but kept their playmaking magic.
Why Teams Court Hagens
For a team like the New York Islanders, with established scorers like Bo Horvat and Anders Lee, Hagens would feel like the missing glue guy. He sets teammates up, fills gaps, and elevates everyone.
Most projections rank him in the top five, and although he has witnessed a fall in many drafts and is undoubtedly not the flashy pick, he’s a stable, safe bet. Think of him as a blueprint for the modern NHL center.
So yes, Misa may offer more immediate fireworks. However, Hagens, provided he sticks around for another season in college, could develop the exact gear change and polish his offensive skills. Either way, he’s a strong bet to grow into a complete NHL player, and many teams will love what he brings to the table.
