The NY Islanders could still manage to sign a Hagens

Don’t rip off those “Bring Hagens Home” bumper stickers just yet! There’s still a possibility the NY Islanders can land Hagens this summer.

No, not James Hagens, who was drafted by the Boston Bruins seventh overall despite the Islanders doing all they could to move back into the first round to select the Long Island native, but instead, his brother, Michael Hagens.

Bring Hagens Home

After speaking with John Kofi Osei-Tutu and Bobby Gauthier of the OT Sports Group, Stefan Rosner of The Elmonters reported today that the Islanders extended a development camp invite to Hagens, who had to turn down the offer as he rehabs an injury. Hagens attended camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs before last season.

Hagens, 20, is the older brother of James, who has gone undrafted in the last three NHL Drafts, making him a free agent.

Like James, Michael is attending Boston College, but unlike his younger brother, plays defense. 

Hagens played 37 games for the Golden Eagles this season after two seasons in the USHL with the Chicago Steel.

During his freshman campaign, Hagens finished the season with eight points, scoring once and adding seven assists.

Despite the logjam of left-handed defensemen, Hagens would be a welcome addition to the Islanders' defensive pipeline and could favor signing with his hometown team, knowing his family's affinity for the Islanders.

With three years of eligibility remaining at BC, Hagens will be in no rush to make a decision, as he can continue to develop his game, and by the looks of it, play at least one more season with his brother. 

If the Islanders were to sign Hagens, it wouldn’t be an organizational shifting signing, but it would be a feel-good story, making him another local kid staying on Long Island.

Who knows, maybe he can convince his brother to join the Islanders sooner rather than later.