James Hagens reveals why he believes the NY Islanders should select him first overall

Since the 2025 NHL Scouting Combine began earlier this week, Mathieu Darche has been doing his due diligence on all the top prospects, spending a night at dinner with Matthew Schaefer, James Hagens, and Michael Misa.

While most assume that Schaefer will be the first name called on June 27th, there are still plenty holding out for Hagens, the hometown boy.

Hagens wants to bring the cup home

There is little doubt that Hagens would galvanize the opportunity to be selected first overall by his favorite team, revealing why he believes the NY Islanders should take him with the pick.

"I want to be able to win a Stanley Cup as an Islander," Hagens told the NHL Draft Class podcast. "The last time I think they raised the cup, my dad was a little kid, and it'd mean a lot to my family, to the people of Long Island, to everyone that supports the team, to be able to bring the Stanley Cup home and raise it one day on the island. Being able to do that where you grow up, where all your friends and family are, it's special."

Beginning the season as the top prospect, Hagens has dropped in the rankings throughout the season, but remains a popular player at the combine, meeting with 16 teams so far, according to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects.

It's not often that a prospect of this caliber's preferred destination is Long Island, but Hagens has bled blue and orange his entire life. In a few weeks, we'll see if he ultimately pulls the Islanders sweater on as the first overall pick.