The NHL Draft is right around the corner and Sportsvival is here to help go over the top prospects who should be selected on June 27th in Los Angeles.
Today we scout:
C- James Hagens
Boston College
5’11” 177 lbs.
James Hagens was born on November 3, 2006 in Hauppauge, New York.
Hagens played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) during the 2022-2023 season, where he ranked second on the team in scoring with 26 goals and 40 assists in just 43 games with the under-17 team. During the season, Hagens also recorded seven goals and 12 assists in 17 games with the under-18 team.
He competed in the 2024 BioSteel All-American Game where he recorded a goal and an assist and was named the game’s MVP.
During the 2023-2024 season, he recorded 18 goals and 29 assists in 26 games for the NTDPin the USHL.
At the end of the season, Hagens committed to play college ice hockey for Boston College.
At Boston College in 2024-2025, Hagens played 37 games and tallied 11 goals and 26 assists.
Hagens represented the United States at the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he led the tournament in scoring with nine goals and 13 assists in seven games and won a silver medal. He was named the tournament MVP after his stellar performance.
He played for the United States in the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and recorded five goals and four assists in seven games on his way to winning a gold medal.
What does the tape say?
Positives
Capable of playing a complete game in the offensive zone.
High hockey IQ
Shifty skating ability
Vision
Elevates teammates
Negatives
Consistency
Not an elite finisher
Needs to add muscle, get bigger
Intensity fluctuates
What the Vival sees:
James Hagens came into 2025 as the early favorite to be the first overall pick in the draft. His inconsistencies have raised some red flags and his draft stock has slid. He should still be a top-10 pick and a future top-6 forward in the NHL.
James Hagens reminds a lot of hockey scouts of New Jersey Devils youngster Jack Hughes. They share the same offensive and skating skills and both have a high ceiling.
(photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)