James Hagens is 2025 NHL Draft's wild card — with Islanders a possibility
Share this @internewscast.com

LOS ANGELES — The mystery of the NHL draft Friday night surrounds James Hagens. 

There’s the question of whether the Long Island native who came into the season as the potential No. 1 pick could slide as far as 10th or 11th.

There’s the much-rumored possibility the Islanders will find a way to move back into the top 10 to take the hometown kid.

There’s the potential for both outcomes to intersect. 

“If I end up sliding in the draft, I’ll just go to the team that values me most,” Hagens mentioned on Thursday. “I plan to prove myself on the ice and I’m not concerned about it. Simply being here and getting selected is an honor. It doesn’t matter where I get picked; the draft itself is a privilege. Whatever team I join, there will always be a drive to prove something,” he added confidently.


James Hagens at the NHL Draft Top Prospects Media Availability.
James Hagens is this NHL draft’s wild card. Getty Images

Hagens, a Hauppauge native who grew up admiring John Tavares and attending games at both Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center, could become a legend for the Islanders. If the team can negotiate a deal—considering the Bruins at No. 7 and the Mammoth at No. 4 are reportedly open to trading their picks—that results in acquiring Hagens, alongside Matthew Schaefer, who the Islanders are anticipated to select first, it would be a remarkable storyline.

Even though Hagens consistently states he is content with any outcome, it’s clear that staying close to home holds significant sentimental value both for him and for Islanders fans who have long awaited the chance to cheer for a local talent of his caliber.

“Somewhere you grew up, something you put so much pride in as a kid and still to this day, it’d be really something that would be really cool,” Hagens said. “Being able to come home, to go back to where it all started, it’d be special. 

“I’ve been around it for my whole life. It’s what got me to love hockey. It’s something I know and love.” 

If the Islanders attempt to move up, they could try to use either Noah Dobson or a package including some combination of Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Alexander Romanov and futures as the means of doing so. 


James Hagens
James Hagens grew up on Long Island. NHLI via Getty Images

Dobson and Romanov are restricted free agents on July 1, and Dobson in particular looks like a possibility to move if the Islanders choose not to meet his contract demands. 

Hagens, of course, is not thinking in such terms. He just wants to hear his name called. 

“I don’t think you’d be disappointed getting picked by any team here,” he said. “It’s an exciting time wherever you go. You just want to be in a place that wants you.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
The key to solving your relationship problems might come down to your emojis, new study reveals

New Study Suggests Emojis Could Be the Secret to Resolving Relationship Issues

Emojis can improve relationships, according to new research. American researchers suggest that…
Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ series 'Ironheart' highlights importance of representation for girls of color in STEM fields

Disney+ series ‘Ironheart’ from the Marvel Cinematic Universe emphasizes the significance of representation for girls of color in STEM fields

CHICAGO (WLS) — Marvel is putting Chicago on the map. The Griffin…
Here's how millions of people could lose health insurance if Trump's tax bill becomes law

Why Trump’s Tax Bill Could Cause Millions to Lose Health Insurance

WASHINGTON (AP) — Approximately 11.8 million adults and children could lose their…
Bryan Kohberger could escape death penalty because of leaked evidence aired during TV episode: fmr prosecutor

Bryan Kohberger anticipated to enter guilty plea: what happens next

Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho murders case, is anticipated to…
Islanders sign KHL star Maxim Shabanov in free agency swing

Islanders Acquire KHL standout Maxim Shabanov in Free Agency Move

The Islanders had more moves to make in free agency. On Wednesday,…
'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' celebrates milestones and memorable moments ahead of season 17 premiere.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Marks Major Milestones and Iconic Moments as Season 17 Approaches.

Just when you thought “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” couldn’t get any…
Mugshot of Travis Caleb Decker, wanted for murder.

DNA Discovery on Handprints Intensifies Travis Decker Murder Investigation Amid Exhaustive Five-Week Search

POLICE have new evidence that links a father to the murder scene…
People who go to bed at this time get the most exercise

Individuals who sleep at this hour are more active

The early bird gets the workout. It’s bad enough that night owls…
Florida teen threatens to shoot up McDonald's after $5 order is messed up: police

Florida Teenager Allegedly Threatens McDonald’s with Gun over Incorrect $5 Order: Police Report

A teenager in Florida is in custody after allegedly threatening to open…
Kennedy Expressway construction: Chicago traffic expected to be impacted by new I-90/94 lane, ramp closures July 7 and 8: IDOT

Kennedy Expressway Roadwork: Chicago Traffic Faces Disruptions from I-90/94 Lane and Ramp Closures on July 7 and 8, Says IDOT

CHICAGO (WLS) — There will be new shifting traffic patterns on the…
Woman holding a photo of a younger woman with a bird.

Virginia Giuffre’s Emotional Diary Sheds Light on Epstein Victim’s Troubling Last Months

VIRGINIA Giuffre’s diary leading up to her tragic suicide has shown just…
Federal judge orders Mexican migrant seeking asylum to be released by ICE

U.S. Judge Mandates ICE to Release Mexican Asylum Seeker

A federal judge in Oregon has mandated the immediate release of a…