In the fast-paced world of hockey, the anticipation for the 2025 NHL Draft is already heating up as American sensation James Hagens emerges as the early frontrunner for the coveted No. 1 spot. Standing at a solid 5-foot-11 and weighing in at 176 pounds, this Boston College freshman centre has captured the attention of scouts and fans alike with his impressive offensive skills showcased while playing for the U.S. National Development Team Program U-18 squad.
The buzz surrounding Hagens is undeniable, as he has clinched the top spot on TSN’s Pre-Season Ranking for the 2025 draft, with nine out of 10 NHL club team scouts pegging him as their top choice to kick off the season. A testament to his talent and potential, one NHL club team head scout remarked, “He’s earned it, to this point. But I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s going to be a real battle for No. 1 overall next June.”
However, the road to the No. 1 spot is never easy, and as the 2024-25 hockey season gets underway, other notable prospects are vying for the coveted position. The likes of Erie Otter defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Swedish centre Anton Frondell are hot on Hagens’ trail, ranked second and third respectively on TSN’s Pre-Season list.
Keeping a close eye on the competition, scouts are eager to see how powerhouse players like Brampton Steelheads’ Porter Martone, Russian center Ivan Ryabkin, and Brandon Wheat King’s Roger McQueen perform throughout the season. McQueen, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance, garnering a No. 1 vote and solid support in the scouting survey.
“It’s a projection, obviously,” one scout acknowledged, highlighting the potential in McQueen as a 6-foot-5 right-shot center with impressive speed and skill. As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Hagens will maintain his top ranking or if a dark horse like McQueen could upset the status quo.
With the stage set for an intense season of hockey ahead, all eyes are on the rising stars of the sport as they battle it out for the ultimate prize – the top spot in the 2025 NHL Draft. Only time will tell who will ultimately emerge victorious in this thrilling race to the top.
