With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft later this week, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them.
Since the Penguins have a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds.
After the results of the draft lottery on May 5, the Penguins - as of now - will select 11th overall, dropping down two spots from where they originally were at ninth. And, normally, at this point, we compile a list of potential draft selections who could be available at 11 - which includes the likes of players such as right wing Justin Carbonneau, defenseman Radim Mrtka, and defenseman Jackson Smith.
However, with the recent report that the Penguins are interested in moving up in the draft, we have begun to profile some players who are likely to be drafted in the top-five.
We already spotlighted right wing Porter Martone. Next up? Center James Hagens.
Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Porter MartoneWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them.
James Hagens
DOB: Nov. 3, 2006 (Age 18)
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 177 pounds
Team: Boston College (NCAA)
There was a point last year when folks were projecting Hagens - prior to his freshman season at Boston College - to be selected first overall in the 2025 draft.
With the emergence of defenseman Brandon Schaefer and forward Michael Misa, he has fallen ever-so-slightly. But, if the Chicago Blackhawks and Penguins would, indeed, be interested in executing a trade to bump the Penguins up to the third overall selection, Hagens wouldn't be a bad consolation prize by any means.
In his freshman season with Boston College, Hagens registered 11 goals and 37 points in 37 games. That may not "wow" anyone - and he could stand to find a bit more finishing touch in his game - but the centerman's playmaking ability, offensive instincts, and smarts stand out.
FRESHMAN JAMES HAGENS WITH THE BIGGEST GOAL OF HIS CAREER TO SECURE THE W IN THE FINAL MINUTES 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lD8eOmR4xt
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 28, 2025
Although undersized, Hagens's speed and ability to thwart defenders makes him a threat. He is especially dangerous off the rush, where his vision and playmaking are really brought out of the woodwork.
He is also a decent two-way presence, as he's able to backcheck, catch just about anyone with his speed, and has good puck skills in all three zones.
Hagens may not be an elite scoring threat - and this is a bit worrisome to some scouts, who see him as a potential complementary piece of the puzzle in a top-six - but he is an offensive threat every time he touches the ice. He proved as much in his time with the U.S. National Development Team, as he put up 35 goals and 87 points in 57 games from 2022-24.
If the Penguins do trade up in the draft, they'll have some tough decisions to make. But Hagens is certainly an option for them, as his floor is higher than most, even if the ceiling isn't.
Can The Penguins Trade Up For Blackhawks' Third Overall Pick?It has been rumored that the Pittsburgh Penguins would like to trade up in the 2025 NHL Draft.
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Feature image credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images