Growing up on Long Island, James Hagens dreamed of being drafted by his favorite team, the New York Islanders. Although that dream was not realized during the NHL draft on Friday night, the 18-year-old center from Boston College was thrilled with the outcome. Hagens was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins, providing him the excitement of staying in Boston and the surprise of hearing his name called by Adam Sandler.
“Being on a team that wanted me the most, I love Boston. I love the area,” Hagens remarked after becoming the first U.S.-born player selected in the draft. “Having Adam Sandler announce my pick was unforgettable.” It was particularly special for Hagens, who considers “Happy Gilmore,” a film featuring Sandler as a hockey player-turned-golfer, to be his favorite movie.
On a video screen at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, Sandler announced the pick while wearing a Bruins jersey. As Hagens made his way to the stage, Sandler was seen celebrating in the background. Sandler was among several celebrities announcing draft selections, marking a shift from previous years where all teams convened in one location to make their picks. This year, each of the 32 franchises announced picks from their respective markets.
Standing at 5-foot-11, Hagens showcased talent by scoring 11 goals and 26 assists, ranking fourth in points among college freshmen. He also netted five goals for Team USA during their gold medal run at the World Junior Championship. The Islanders held the first draft pick and chose defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
Meanwhile, on a farm in southern Ontario, Brady Martin chose to experience the NHL draft surrounded by family and friends instead of attending in Los Angeles. “There’s work to do with the animals and stuff,” Martin noted after being picked fifth overall by the Nashville Predators.
The decentralization of the draft played a role in Martin’s decision to stay home. “I wanted more people with me here for the journey,” Martin said. At 6-foot and 180 pounds, Martin impressed with 33 goals and 72 points in 57 games for the Soo Greyhounds. Originally ranked 11th among North American skaters, Martin found himself chosen higher than anticipated. Happy with his selection, Martin believes his farming background translates well to his discipline and responsibilities on the ice.
In addition to player selections, trades made headlines during the event. The first 11 picks passed without shifts until the Pittsburgh Penguins initiated a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, who used their pick to draft center Jack Nesbitt. Nashville also made a move to acquire OHL defenseman Cameron Reid.
The event included a variety of celebrity announcements, with figures such as WWE wrestlers and NHL alumni making appearances alongside athletes from other sports. This unconventional choice added a touch of flair to the draft proceedings.
Finally, Jim Nill of the Dallas Stars secured his third consecutive general manager of the year award, impressively making moves to strengthen his team, including the acquisition and contract extension of Mikko Rantanen.
In a lighter moment, Anaheim Ducks’ newly selected center, Roger McQueen, learned he was headed to Disneyland just minutes after being drafted. The 6-foot-6 Canadian found himself in the theme park sporting Mickey Mouse ears and high-fiving Donald Duck.
Notably, this year’s draft was significant for having two goalies selected in the first round for the first time since 2021. The draft also uniquely featured four teams, including the Islanders, with multiple first-round picks, showcasing a new dynamic in the player selection process.