A Boston College center was once projected as the top pick in next year’s NHL Draft, with scouts praising his elite skill set and potential to dominate at the professional level. Early mock drafts had him rising to the top of the board, though his stock has since fluctuated amid shifting evaluations of his offensive impact and defensive readiness. Analysts now debate whether his offensive magic—highlighted by his playmaking and scoring ability—will outweigh concerns about consistency and two-way reliability. The uncertainty surrounding his draft position adds intrigue as teams weigh his upside against other top prospects.

BOSTON -- There was a world in which James Hagens was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, where the magic of Matthew Schaefer shifted, and the center from Boston College went to the New York ...