James Hagens – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

The one thing that you notice in Hagens’ game is his ability to think and process the game and constantly push the pace of play with a high level of consistency. Add that with his elite-level playmaking and offensive awareness, he instantly becomes a lethal threat every shift. He’s extremely quick on the rush, quickly utilizing his top speed, movement and ability to spot the open lanes. He’s very elusive as his edge work, crossovers and pivots allow him to escape pressure and create even more open space. 

Hagens is a dual offensive threat, though it’s his playmaking, passing and play driving skills that really makes everyone around him better. He can easily spot seams, open lanes up and place the puck in a perfect spot for his teammates for a prime scoring chance. He’s all over the offensive zone and his puck skills in tight spaces make him difficult to contain, especially when he’s hitting his stride. He has a lethal and quick shot and while he hasn’t utilized it as much this season compared to what he has shown in the past, don’t underestimate him when he has the space to walk in and shoot.

Much like his ability to quickly catch defenders off guard on the rush, Hagens’ reads and ability to be a factor without the puck stands out. He’s always in position to backcheck and when there’s a mistake, he’s able to quickly pounce on that opportunity, quickly transition back into offense and catches defenders off guard. He shows a knack for constantly attacking and pushing the play to the middle of the ice and crash the crease for loose pucks.

With the elite level pace and skillset that he brings as a playmaker, there are some things that Hagens can improve on. There have been moments where he forces plays when there isn’t anything there instead of taking that extra second to assess his options. His size as a centreman can be a concern as he’s under six-feet. There’s always room for him to grow and add strength, but teams love size, especially if they’re playing up the middle of the ice.

James Hagens- NHL Draft Projection

He may have been bumped down front the first overall conversation, Hagens however still is a name worth having in your system with his skillset and ability to be a strong play driver and puck facilitator. You can rest assure his name will be called early on in 2025. He’s still a strong candidate to go second overall, worst case scenario being selected third overall. 

Quotables

“His understanding of how to manipulate defenders into making mistakes to open up passing lines is incredible at times. The slick passing and speed Hagens plays with should make any team happy on draft day.” – Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News 

“All of his time on ice comes at even strength and the power play. Elite offensive upside. Above average skater. A threat to create off the rush. Leans playmaker more than pure shooter. Top line NHL player on the horizon.” – Jason Bukala, Sportsnet 

“He makes a ton of difficult plays on the move and is an elite playmaker. Hagens isn’t that big, but he competes and shows courage to get to the net to create chances. He has the potential to be a play-driving No. 1 center in the NHL.” – Cory Pronman, The Athletic (from, ‘NHL Draft 2025 top prospects: Matthew Schaefer leads Corey Pronman’s midseason ranking’, The AthelticNHL – 01/28/25) 

Strengths

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

There isn’t any doubt that Hagens could become a top line, elite playmaking centre in the NHL. His game alone is almost comparable to Jack Hughes and he seems to be doing just fine early on in his NHL career. His skillset and vision have been consistent at every level that he’s played at, as he continues to develop every year. He’s a player that can be a difference maker and change the tide of a game every time he’s on the ice. Whether it’s at five-on-five or on the man advantage, he’s going to be extremely dangerous. 

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk- 1/5, Reward 5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense- 8.5/10, Defense 7.5/10

Awards/ Achievements

Hagens already has a long list of accolades to his name. He has won gold at both the World U18 (2023) and World Junior Championship (2025), as well as a silver medal (2024). He was named best forward and MVP at the 2024 World U18 Championship. He broke Nikita Kucherov’s single-tournament record for most points at the U18 WJC with 21 points. 

Interviews/ Links

James Hagens Stats

Videos