F James Hagens - Boston College, NCAA (2025 Draft)

[MichaelFarrell]

Celebrini wasn't a player that did those things either, but was an extremely productive hockey player in all zones.

The overall product with Hagens is extremely strong. He essentially led the USHL in PPG last year and hadn't even reached his draft year while doing so (they don't really count the NTDP players in the official record, but if they did he was first). He's second in college hockey in assists this year in his draft year and when his shooting percentage normalizes will probably enter the Hobey Baker race. He set the U18 Worlds record for most points in a tournament. Set the U17 Worlds record for most points in a tournament the year prior to that.

And I get what you're trying to say, but a player like Cooley was just worse at basically everything other than spinning around in a pirouette like twice per game and maybe 1 out of 10 it would result in a great goal or assist.

Sometimes flashy isn't the name of the game. Watch Alex Barkov. Watch Adam Fox. Not saying he's what those guys are, but not every good player in hockey is McDavid or Makar or someone like that.

I get where you are coming from. But, Cooley was a much bigger factor on offense his freshman year and absolutely dominated games for the USNTDP.

I’m not just talking about flash or offensive flair. Celebrini absolutely had the qualities I’d look for in a first overall player. I knew from the first game I watched of Celebrini. I find if I’m looking for justifications to keep a player ranked high on my list, I’m just not sure if they should be there. That’s how I feel with Hagens right now. Smarter people than me disagree with that, but I just don’t know if I see 1st overall right now.

 

[FLAMESFAN]

Disappointed we don't get to see him compete against his peers in the prospect game, but looking forward to seeing him in the WJC in just over a month!