James Hagens (C, L, 5’10”, 168, Boston College, 11/03/2006, Boston College)
James Hagens, a 5’10”, 170-pound left-shot center, is an exceptional talent and a legitimate contender for the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. His blend of elite puck handling, high hockey IQ, and elite edge control make him one of the most dynamic offensive players in this draft class. What sets Hagens apart is his ability to control the game with his creativity, vision and ability to make everyone on the ice play the game at the pace that he chooses. He consistently makes plays at high speed, and his hands allow him to execute difficult passes and moves under pressure. Whether it’s weaving through the neutral zone with the puck tight to his body or breaking down defenders one-on-one, Hagens thrives on creating offensive opportunities in tight spaces.
His quick release and expanded shooting area make him a constant scoring threat, while his shoulder fakes off the wall adds a layer of unpredictability to his game. Hagens is also adept at making plays for his teammates, using his excellent vision and passing touch to exploit defensive breakdowns setting up scoring chances that defenders never saw coming. His elite puck control and shifty footwork allow him to side-step checks and maintain possession in high-traffic areas.
Despite these elite strengths, there are areas of his game that will be monitored very closely by the NHL organizations who have a chance at picking number #1 during his 2024-25 season at Boston College.
- Consistency: Hagens can be quiet for stretches during games, going unnoticed at times despite his offensive talent. For a player vying for the top spot in the draft, consistency in impacting the game shift to shift is critical.
- Urgency After Losing Possession: He can be lackadaisical after losing possession, showing less urgency in fighting to get the puck back. This lack of aggressiveness in puck retrieval is an area that NHL scouts will be closely watching.
- Defensive Play: While Hagens excels offensively, his defensive game is still developing. Scouts will want to see him become more defensively reliable, especially in supporting his defensemen, backchecking, and turning odd man rushes into even man situations through pure effort.
- Physicality: At 5’10” and 170 pounds, Hagens isn’t the biggest player. While he uses his speed and agility effectively, adding more muscle and power will make him harder to play against, especially at the NHL level where the average size of his competition will be 6’1.5″, 206lbs.
Improving in these areas will be crucial for Hagens to solidify himself as the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
In summary, Hagens’ offensive creativity, elite puck skills, and high-end skating give him a strong case to be the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. However, his ability to play consistently, improving defensive support, and urgency in all areas of the ice during his upcoming season at Boston College will determine if he can maintain his spot at the top of the draft rankings.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images