James Hagens 2025 NHL Draft projection: 3 potential landing spots for native New Yorker

The 2025 NHL draft is set for June 27-28 in Los Angeles. The New York Islanders have the first pick, and all signs point to them taking Matthew Schaefer.

However, entering the draft, one of the more intriguing prospects is James Hagens. Hagens was in the running to be the top pick at the beginning of the year, but he struggled as a freshman at Boston College.

Hagens should still be a top-10, if not a top-five pick. TSN's Bob McKenzie ranks him as the seventh-best prospect, while ESPN's Rachel Doerrie has Hagens at No. 3.

Ahead of the 2025 NHL draft, here are three landing spots for James Hagens.

3 landing spots for James Hagens

#1 Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have the No. 7 pick, but there have been rumors that they may trade it.

If the Bruins keep the seventh pick, this seems like the absolute floor for Hagens. Boston needs a center, and Hagens could develop into a legit No. 1 center in the NHL.

Hagens recorded 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points in 37 games in college last season.

#2 Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers have the sixth pick and have been linked to James Hagens throughout the draft process.

Hagens could go to Nashville at No. 5, but if he is on the board at six, Philadelphia will have a real conversation on whether or not it selects him.

The Flyers have three picks in the first round, and one needs to be used on a center. If Hagens is on the board, he would be hard to pass up.

#3 New York Islanders

The Islanders have the first pick and are all but set to pick Schaefer.

However, there have been a lot of rumors that New York wants to trade back into the first round to pick Hagens. Hagens grew up on Long Island and is a diehard Islanders fan, going to games with his family when he was young.

The Islanders fanbase has also been pushing for the team to take the hometown kid. If New York can make a trade work to pick in the 5-7 range, Hagens could very well stay at home.