James Hagens is indeed an intriguing fit for the Flyers, though his availability at that spot is uncertain given his high-end skill set and draft projections. Here’s a breakdown of why Hagens could be a great match for the Flyers and the context surrounding his potential selection:
Why Hagens Fits
Hagens is a dynamic, playmaking center with exceptional vision, passing, and hockey IQ, often compared to players like Jack Hughes for his skating and creativity. The Flyers have a glaring need for a top-line Center to build around, especially to complement young star Matvei Michkov. Hagens’ ability to drive play and elevate teammates could create a potent top line alongside Michkov, Tyson Foerster, or Owen Tippett.
Despite a “good-not-great” freshman season at Boston College (35 points in 35 NCAA games), Hagens maintained a point-per-game pace as an 18-year-old in a tough Hockey East conference. His elite offensive skills, particularly his playmaking, make him a potential Number 1 or high-end Number 2 Center in the NHL, addressing a critical organizational need.
Hagens has a strong track record, including a record-breaking 22 points in seven games at the 2024 U18 World Championship and a gold medal at the 2025 World Juniors (5 goals, 4 assists in 7 games). His ability to shine on big stages suggests he can handle pressure and contribute in clutch moments, a valuable trait for a rebuilding Flyers team.
The Flyers, under General Manager Danny Briere, are prioritizing high-upside talent in the 2025 draft, with 11 picks, including three first-rounders and four second-rounders. Hagens aligns with their strategy of adding a foundational piece to pair with Michkov, potentially accelerating their return to contention.
At 5-foot-10.5 and 176 pounds, Hagens isn’t small but lacks the physical presence of some top NHL centers. Scouts note he can struggle in board battles and may need to add muscle to handle NHL physicality. This could lead some teams to prefer bigger centers like Roger McQueen (6-foot-5) or Porter Martone (6-foot-3), potentially causing Hagens to slide.
The 2025 draft features a strong group of centers, including Michael Misa (likely top-2), Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, and Jake O’Brien, alongside top defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Hagens is typically projected to go in the 3-5 range, with teams like San Jose (No. 2), Chicago (No. 3), Utah (No. 4), or Nashville (No. 5) as potential landing spots. For Hagens to fall to No. 6, teams above might prioritize Schaefer’s elite defensive potential, Misa’s goal-scoring, or Frondell’s two-way game.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
