Islanders fans shouldn’t blink at the James Hagens price

Going into the 2025 NHL Draft, we know two things may happen: That Matthew Schaefer will likely go No. 1 overall now that Noah Dobson's heading to Quebec. And we know there's a good chance general manager Mathieu Darche isn't done making trades just yet.

In case you missed it, the Islanders acquired the No. 16 and No. 17 picks, along with Emil Heineman. And while that gives them three first-round picks, it doesn't mean they're using them. Not with a hometown talent in James Hagens slated to land anywhere between No. 3 and No. 8, if not even lower.

Of course, if you check out 10 different mock drafts, chances are, you're getting about five different opinions, if not more. And that's why the Islanders need to overpay if they want to land both Matthew Schaefer (presumably) and James Hagens on the same night. Regardless of the cost.

Nothing should be off the table for the New York Islanders when it comes to James Hagens

Think about how much someone like Hagens will pump up the fans on Long Island. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. If the Isles landed Hagens, they just drafted a center they could build around in the same draft that they took a star blueliner they can build the defensive rotation around.

For nearly the entire pre-draft process, I was pro Michael Misa, and for good reason. But now that the Isles have a chance to trade up and land Hagens? Oh, I'm all in for Schaefer because there's a 100 percent chance Hagens will be available after the San Jose Sharks (presumably) make their pick.

If I'm Darche, I'm trading the No. 16 and 17 picks, plus a first-rounder next season to move up. And if I have to give up more, then I'm giving up more. How many opportunities do you get to land two franchise-caliber players in one draft?

New York Islanders could have a draft for the ages

This could be one for the ages if Mathieu Darch is okay with letting three first-round picks go so he can snag Schaefer and Hagens on the same night. It changes the entire vibe on Long Island, and it allows for a smoother retool as some of the older players start to age out and newer ones come in through the system.

And look at that brewing supporting cast, with the likes of Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman, just to throw some names out there. That said, this is about to get good. Or, presumably so.

More from Eyes on Isles