In the lead-up to the 2025 NHL Draft, theScore is spotlighting eight intriguing prospects, starting with James Hagens, who, despite a slight drop from his early No. 1 projection, remains a top contender. Hagens excelled with 39 goals and 102 points in 58 games with the U.S. NTDP and set a tournament record with 22 points at the Under-18s, breaking previous scoring marks. He could be a perfect fit for teams like the New York Islanders or Nashville Predators, and analysts praise his creativity, skating, and two-way play as key assets for his potential NHL success.
