James Hagens has impressed scouts with a remarkable performance leading up to the 2025 NHL Draft. After being named MVP at the 2024 U18 World Championships and delivering a strong USHL season, Hagens carried his momentum into college hockey, scoring nearly a point per game in his freshman year. He also played a significant role in guiding Team USA to gold at the World Juniors, showcasing his speed, puck handling, and creative playmaking skills. Despite these accomplishments, some conversations have shifted regarding his status as a top draft pick.
NHL insider Corey Pronman recently offered a high-profile endorsement, spotlighting Hagens as potentially the most talented offensive player in the draft and drawing comparisons to Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander.
What Sets James Hagens Apart and Why He’s Compared to William Nylander
While James Hagens remains one of the more promising prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft, several nuanced factors have influenced scouts’ opinions, causing some hesitation about his overall draft ranking. Although his season at Boston College was productive, questions linger about how effectively his playing style will translate to the NHL’s faster, more physical environment.
Despite these concerns, Corey Pronman’s evaluation highlights Hagens’ immense offensive upside, suggesting that he may have the highest scoring potential in his draft class. Pronman contends that selecting Hagens at second or third overall would be a strategic steal for any team.
“If Hagens turns into the most offensively productive player from this class, I wouldn’t be shocked, and frankly, I would call him the most purely talented offensive player in the class.” — Corey Pronman
For the New York Islanders, who hold a valuable place in the draft order, Hagens presents an enticing target. Pronman proposes that the Islanders could trade down slightly to secure Hagens and gain additional assets, creating a favorable outcome. Adding to the intrigue, reports indicate Hagens prefers to play for New York, which increases the likelihood of a lasting connection.
Areas of Concern in Hagens’ Game and Their Impact on Draft Stock
Despite his high-level skill set, Hagens has displayed some inconsistencies, particularly during even-strength play. In the college season, there were visible stretches where he struggled to stand out, especially against stronger, more physical defenders who limited his access to dangerous scoring areas. Scouts noted that his impact away from the puck and during 5-on-5 situations raised questions about his full potential at the professional level.
Moreover, while Hagens proved to be a dependable playmaker, his tally of goals fell short of expectations for a top-ranked forward. This perceived gap in goal-scoring ability caused some draft evaluators to favor other prospects with a more balanced offensive threat. For a player long viewed as a possible franchise cornerstone, this has slightly lowered his draft positioning.
The Potential Significance of Selecting James Hagens in the 2025 Draft
Despite these reservations, James Hagens’ talent remains undeniable, and if he can reach his potential, passing on him could become one of the bigger draft regrets. His combination of speed, skill, and playmaking prowess still marks him as one of the most intriguing players in the 2025 class. Once the draft concludes, Hagens is anticipated to begin his professional journey with the newly established Utah Mammoth in the NHL.
Given the discussions from insiders like Corey Pronman and the strategic draft possibilities facing teams such as the New York Islanders, James Hagens compared to William Nylander talent remains a key narrative heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, with many eyes watching closely to see how his career unfolds.