The New York Rangers are last in the Metropolitan Division. With thirty-three points, they are below Pittsburgh at the bottom of the eight teams' standings. In jest, we've commented about the Rangers being in the draft lottery because some thought the Rangers could recover. Not enough to make the playoffs, but certainly enough to destroy the chances at the first overall pick. That's not the case; the Rangers are shambolic, so let's talk about the projected first-overall pick in June, James Hagens.
Hagens has been labeled as a generational talent and has the potential to be the cornerstone of a franchise for many years. If this sounds familiar, it's the same song and dance given about the New York Ranger's last first-overall pick, Alexis Lafreniere, back in 2020. However, Hagens might be even better than Lafreniere at the time, as the American forward possesses a stronger skill set and doesn't have a pandemic effect on development.
The NCAA star is a Boston College Eagle alongside Rangers prospect Gabriel Perreault. Those two, along with Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard, have been setting the NCAA alight. Hagens has recorded five goals and 15 assists for 20 points in his 16 games with the Eagles this year, and that production hasn't dropped at the World Junior Championships. In two games, the American had two goals and four helpers for six points.
Hagens won't fix the issues across the organization, but he'd be a young piece to infuse into the organization. New York would have to oversee his development correctly to avoid ending up with another Vitali Kravtsov or Kaapo Kakko situation. Still, the Rangers could end up with another star if they were fortunate enough to win the draft lottery and be put in a position to select James Hagens. There's a long time before the draft lottery; it'll be worth watching between now and the summer.