By Russ Cohen
James Hagens is the presumptive first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. It’s great that he’s a center and before you ding him for being 5’10”, think about this. He’s terrific at face-offs. At Boston College, he’s averaging 57%, against much older players. He’s turning 18 in March!
According to InStat, he’s winning 51% of his puck battles. How? Because his stickwork is elite and he’s one of the players who always has the puck. He can tire out a defense and get players or teammates like Teddy Stiga open.
He plays in all situations and can be a weapon on the PK. So, teams that are aggressive when they’re a man down would want him on their team.
As far as d-zone starts, he’s at 21% and 55% in the o-zone which is fine for a freshman. That’s going to change over time. Hagens has five points in three games. He’s special. He’s a star.
If a team doesn’t take him first overall, be prepared for future criticism.
Hagens is very mature, he’s smart, and older players say that he makes them better. That’s his best gift, not all players make their linemates better, especially at this young age.
In case you haven’t seen. His skating and edgework is elite. He will have to get stronger and he will have to deal with bigger, stronger players down the line. But that’s fine, he will overcome that.
In the offseason, he skates with his brother, Michael, along with Matt Coronato and Shane Pinto to name a few.
Hagens knows how to carry himself on and off the ice. If you didn’t see him in the U18s, you missed something. He’s already better than most players in his age group and college hockey is exactly the place where he belongs to help him get ready for the NHL.
