For a long time, James Hagens was considered the top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. With his record-breaking junior performances and high-end skill, he looked like a future star. But after a season of ups and downs in college hockey, some experts now think he may not be picked first overall.
Still, Hagens has shown enough over the years to prove that his NHL potential remains elite — even if he doesn’t go No. 1.
Dominating the Junior Level
Before stepping into college hockey, Hagens had an incredible run with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP). He scored 102 points in 58 games during the 2023–24 season — becoming only the ninth player in NTDP history to pass the 100-point mark.
He also broke Nikita Kucherov’s scoring record at the U18 World Championships, racking up 22 points in just 7 games. His total 187 career points with the NTDP ranks fifth all-time.
College Transition: Still Solid, But Not Dominant
In his freshman year with Boston College, Hagens played alongside top NHL prospects Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perreault. Expectations were sky-high, but he ended up with a point-per-game pace — 37 points in 37 games.
Though solid, that number didn’t match the hype. Hagens’ main struggle was physicality — playing against older and stronger players made it harder for him to get into high-danger scoring areas.
This is reflected in his declining shooting percentage:
| Season | Goals | Shooting % |
|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 NTDP | 26 | 27.5% |
| 2023–24 NTDP | 39 | 18.5% |
| 2024–25 NCAA | 11 | 7.9% |
His numbers dropped, but his skills are still top-tier.
What Makes Hagens So Special?
Elite Skating
Hagens is an exceptional skater. His quick first steps, agility, and smooth transitions make him deadly in the neutral zone. He can control the pace of the game and break through defensive setups with ease.
Smart Playmaking
Hagens uses his skating to draw defenders toward him, creating open spaces for his teammates. He’s great at making fast decisions and setting up high-danger scoring chances. His hockey IQ is very mature for his age.
Great Puck Control
Hagens can stickhandle in tight spaces, beat defenders one-on-one, and deliver passes with precision. His creativity and vision make him a nightmare to defend.
Does Size Matter?
At 5’11” and 176 lbs, Hagens is smaller than some of his peers. That has made it harder for him to score at the college level, especially against physically stronger opponents. But many small players — like Jack Hughes — have shown that size isn’t everything.
Hagens plays a smart two-way game, knows when to apply pressure, and has the mindset to adjust to the NHL. With more strength and training, his game will only improve.
James Hagens may not go first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, but that doesn’t change the fact that he has star potential. His elite skating, creativity, and hockey sense give him all the tools to succeed in the NHL. If he earns early top-six minutes, he could turn into one of the best offensive players from his draft class.
Don’t judge him by one transition year — the upside is still sky-high.
