Rangers Must Work the Phones to Land Top Prospect James Hagens in NHL Draft Shakeup…see more…
The 2025 NHL Draft is fast approaching, and while the New York Rangers are sitting outside the top picks, they remain very much in the conversation—especially when it comes to one of the most electrifying names in this year’s class: James Hagens.
The 17-year-old American phenom has long been considered a blue-chip prospect, and his recent performances at the U18 World Championship and with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) have only solidified his stock as a potential franchise cornerstone. Scouts rave about his hockey IQ, dynamic skating, and elite-level playmaking—a combination that rarely comes along.
But the reality is this: Hagens is projected to go within the top 5 of the draft. For the Rangers, who are currently slated to pick much later in the first round, the only path to securing his rights will require aggressive maneuvering, strategic trade proposals, and a willingness to pay a premium. In short, they’ll have to work the phones—hard.
Why Hagens? Why Now?
The Rangers are no strangers to bold draft-day moves. But the buzz around James Hagens isn’t just hype—it’s based on substance. The 5-foot-11 center has posted gaudy numbers this season, finishing with 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) in 62 games with the USNTDP. Beyond the stats, Hagens exhibits a maturity and tenacity on the ice that scouts say is reminiscent of a young Patrick Kane mixed with the defensive awareness of a Patrice Bergeron.
“He’s a game-changer,” said an Eastern Conference scout. “He’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better. If you can get a player like that, especially one who’s already been groomed in the U.S. system, you don’t think twice—you make the move.”
For the Rangers, whose center depth remains a question mark beyond Mika Zibanejad, the fit couldn’t be more ideal. While players like Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle have shown flashes of potential, none project at Hagens’ level.
Where They Stand Now
As it stands, the Rangers hold the No. 21 overall pick in the first round—nowhere near the position required to even sniff at Hagens. Most mock drafts have him going between picks 2 and 4, depending on which team values positional need versus best player available.
Teams like the Chicago Blackhawks (No. 2), Columbus Blue Jackets (No. 3), and San Jose Sharks (No. 4) are widely considered the most likely suitors. All three are rebuilding, but that also makes them more open to trading down if the right package comes along.
That’s where Rangers GM Chris Drury comes in.
Trade Packages and Possibilities
If the Rangers are serious about jumping into the top five, they’ll need to offer a combination of current roster talent, prospects, and draft capital. Here are a few options they could explore:
1. Package with a Top Prospect:
To Columbus (No. 3 pick): Kaapo Kakko, 2025 1st-round pick (No. 21), and 2026 2nd-round pick
To NY Rangers: 2025 1st-round pick (No. 3)
Kakko, a former No. 2 overall pick, has struggled with consistency but still holds upside. Pairing him with a high pick might appeal to a team like Columbus looking for a more immediate NHL-ready body.
2. Go Big with Roster Depth:
To San Jose (No. 4 pick): Braden Schneider, Brennan Othmann, 2025 1st-round pick
To NY Rangers: 2025 1st-round pick (No. 4)
Schneider’s emergence as a strong two-way defenseman gives the Rangers trade flexibility, though losing him would hurt. Othmann, meanwhile, remains one of their top forward prospects.
3. Three-Team Deal: The Rangers could potentially involve a third team to offload a player like Barclay Goodrow or find a way to offload salary in exchange for more draft flexibility or a bridge to the top five.
Regardless of the strategy, insiders say Drury has been making exploratory calls and gauging what it would take to move up significantly.
What Are the Risks?
Trading up in the draft is always a gamble. The cost to acquire a top-three pick can be steep, and history shows that not every elite prospect pans out. But Hagens’ resume and growth trajectory suggest he may be worth the risk.
The Rangers also risk disrupting their current chemistry. This team made a solid playoff run last season, and major roster changes—especially involving young pieces like Schneider or Kakko—could unsettle the locker room.
However, for a team that hasn’t lifted the Stanley Cup since 1994 and has been caught in the perpetual “contender but not quite” cycle for several years, a bold move might be exactly what’s needed.
Rangers’ Draft History & Lessons Learned
The Rangers have had their share of hits and misses at the draft table in the last decade. Landing Alexis Lafrenière at No. 1 overall in 2020 was seen as a major win, although his development has been steady rather than spectacular. Similarly, the team invested heavily in Kakko at No. 2 in 2019, but he too has yet to fully break out.
What makes Hagens different, some argue, is the completeness of his game. He’s not just an offensive threat—he’s a 200-foot player with leadership qualities and an advanced feel for the pro game.
If the Rangers believe he could be a foundational piece for the next decade, it may be time to go all-in again.
The Countdown Begins
With just days to go before the draft, the spotlight now shifts to New York’s front office. Will they stay the course and pick at 21? Or will Drury shake things up and orchestrate a dramatic climb into the top five?
If they want a shot at James Hagens, they can’t afford to wait. The phones will have to keep ringing, and the trade table must stay hot.
Because one thing is certain: Hagens won’t be on the board for long.
Tags: #Rangers #JamesHagens #NHL2025Draft #ChrisDrury #NewYorkRangers #USNTDP #NHLProspects #DraftDayTrades
Leave a Reply