James Hagens, a promising playmaking center with a fluctuating draft stock, is ranked No. 3 on the Broad Street Hockey Community Draft Board. After an impressive tenure with the U.S. U-18 National Development Team, scoring 102 points in 58 games, expectations were high this past year at Boston College. However, some scouts began to question his viability as he struggled to meet those lofty goals. Despite not having a standout season, Hagens is viewed as a top-5 draft pick, with the potential to showcase his skills in the upcoming NCAA season.

By the Numbers
  • Scored 102 points in 58 games with the U.S. U-18 National Development Team.
  • Recorded 37 points at Boston College, ranking second among 18-year-old NCAA players.
State of Play
  • Projected draft pick range is between 3rd to 6th overall.
  • The Flyers are currently projected to select 4th and are closely monitoring Hagens' availability.
What's Next

Hagens is expected to return to Boston College, where he has the opportunity to elevate his game and re-establish himself as a potential top pick in the next draft. How well he adapts will likely determine if he can reclaim his previously held status among the elite prospects.

Bottom Line

James Hagens shows significant promise as a playmaker but needs to address concerns regarding his assertiveness and physicality to reach his full potential in the NHL. As he continues to develop, he could become a valuable asset for teams like the Flyers looking to infuse skill and playmaking into their lineup.