Top prospect James Hagens on hometown NY Islanders: I love everything about them

James Hagens is one of the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft. He's also a die-hard New York Islanders fan. That's a unicorn. That's as unlikely as the Isles winning the Draft Lottery, maybe less.

The Islanders' good fortune put them in what would've been a slam-dunk, no-brainer decision a few months ago. Take the hometown kid! However, Hagens, who put up a point-per-game as a freshman at Boston College, has slipped in the rankings over the last several months. He's still considered a nearly unanimous Top-5 pick, but has been surpassed by D Mathew Schaeffer, F Michael Misa, and others in some rankings.

What hasn't changed is Hagens' love for the Islanders. Growing up on Long Island, Hagens was immersed in Islanders culture from a young age. From backyard hockey games emulating John Tavares to cheering in the stands at Nassau Coliseum and later UBS Arena, the organization has been a part of his identity, and that of his family, for as long as he can remember.

“I grew up a fan,” Hagens told Newsday on Tuesday night. “I grew up around it. I love the Isles. I love everything about them. Would never want to leave, this is basically home for me … It'd be cool to come home.” How much of a Long Islander is Hagens? He was attending the West Islip Hockey Club annual awards dinner at Captain Bill’s in Bay Shore. That Long Island.

Whether he ends up wearing the Islanders jersey one day or not, it’s clear Hagens carries the spirit of the team with him. He plays with the grit, speed, and heart that Isles fans love, and he’s proud to come from a place where hockey isn’t just a sport - it’s a tradition. For Hagens, the Islanders aren’t just a team; they’re a symbol of home, community, and the dream he’s chasing.

Will that be enough for his dream to come true? Stay tuned.