BUFFALO, NY -- The New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] will have their pick of the litter come the 2025 NHL Draft and just spent a week getting to know the prospects. Not every prospect knows the Islanders like the back of their hand. But there is one. His name is James Hagens [https://www.theelmonters.com/p/james-hagens-2025-nhl-draft-jack-greig], a native of Hauppage, LI as he grew up a die-hard Islanders fan. He met with the Islanders for dinner on Tuesday and has had conversations with them previously. "I want to be able to win a Stanley Cup as an Islander," Hagens said on NHL Draft Class. "The last time I think they raised the cup, my dad was a little kid, and it meant a lot to my family, to the people of Long Island, to everyone that supports the team. [I'd love] to be able to bring the Stanley Cup home and raise it one day on the Island." Here's some notes from this morning's The Elmonters [https://www.theelmonters.com/p/2025-nhl-draft-combine-matthew-schaefer-james-hagens-michael-misa] column: - Likely to return to Boston College, though that depends on where he’s drafted to -Had 16 total interviews at the Combine -Compares his game to Patrick Kane - Would be special to play for a legend like Patrick Roy We'll speak to Hagens around 3 PM ET. Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story. PHOTO credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
