James Hagens, the potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has committed to Boston College, he announced via Instagram on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hagens posted 66 points (26 goals, 40 assists) in 43 games with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-17 Team in 2022-23, and seven goals and 12 assists in 17 games for the NTDP U-18 team.
- The 16-year-old won a gold medal with the U.S. at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, tallying five points in seven games during the tournament. He was also the youngest U.S. player at the 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase earlier this year.
- His older brother, Michael, will join James at Boston College after decommitting from Harvard.
Congrats, Hags! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/i21D865Il2
— USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) September 21, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What he brings to Boston College
James Hagens is a potential No. 1 pick type of talent for the 2025 NHL Draft. He is a dynamic skater and playmaker who has posted huge numbers at the U.S. hockey national team development program and has reminded some NHL scouts of Jack Hughes at the same age due to the talent, play style and lack of size. Most recently he was a standout at USA World Junior camp.
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This is a huge get for Boston College, who have brought in a plethora of high NHL picks lately — including 2022 No. 5 pick Cutter Gauthier and 2023 No. 4 pick Will Smith. — Pronman
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(Photo: Daniela Porcelli / Just Pictures / Sipa USA)
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