Hagens ranked as #1 and tier of his own in the athletic's 2025 draft rankings:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/569140 ... on-hagens/
Hagens, after two years as the top dog at the NTDP and two record-setting international events at U17 and U18 worlds, is the clear No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class for me right now and remains the consensus front-runner among scouts.
His game is about skating and playmaking. He is so, so breezy as a skater, making his patterns look easy out there. He’s on top of the ice, he’s agile, and his stride and edges are dynamic, light, mobile and adjustable with legitimate speed and quick acceleration through his crossovers and cuts. He’s got high-end touch and handling, and real finesse as a passer or in playing pucks into space for himself. He’s very aware of spacing and timing on the ice, and does a good job hitting his spots off the puck to present an option in motion to teammates, as well as finding teammates when they’re open with his vision through layers. He’s got an impressive small-area game and an even more impressive game in open ice, with an ability to take his first touch and put opposing defenders on their heels when he gets the puck in open ice. He makes a lot happen in transition with his ability to flow up ice and play-make at pace, because the puck just sticks to his stick and he moves in control with rare quality. He’s crafty and has a game that mixes delays with one-on-one skill that pulls defenders in and then beats them. He’s got drive and never takes his foot off the gas, wanting to take charge on the ice. As soon as he gives it, he’s dashing to get open. He tries things and has the skill to pull off bold decisions when he makes them. His game has become more detailed. He’s got some sneaky jam and competitiveness, with a willingness to put his nose in dirty areas, finish checks and engage in board battles. He’s an impressive athlete, with natural strength for 5-foot-10/11 that isn’t overpowering but allows him to stay on pucks. He’ll also stand his ground. He’s well-conditioned and doesn’t tire over the course of games or shifts. He’s slippery off the cycle and has a nifty release.
When he’s on, which he usually is (I like his consistency game to game and shift to shift), the game comes easy to him out there. I expect him to have an immediate impact as a productive, high-skill, top-six center at Boston College in his draft year. He should play a leading role on Team USA at the world juniors, and he nearly made last year's team after impressing at the World Junior Summer Showcase as a 16-year-old. Hagens profiles as a top-of-the-lineup, play-creating center in the NHL.
will be interesting if brown just slots him between Gabe & Leonard
william moore is #11 but won't be on campus till next fall.
