He couldn't help but get his hopes up when he watched the Islanders win the No. 1 pick in the lottery. There was a time when it appeared Hagens would go first overall in the 2025 draft. The venerable Bob McKenzie of TSN had him ranked first before the season, with nine of the 10 NHL scouts he surveyed in agreement.

Now that the Stanley Cup Playoffs have come to an end, with the Florida Panthers once again becoming world champions, all eyes turn to the next generation of NHL players entering the league through the 2025 draft.

The New York Islanders possess the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft and are expected to take defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Forward Michael Misa should be the second overall selection to the San Jose Sharks, but after that, a handful of options await the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 3.