Michael Misa vs James Hagens: Key stats, strengths, weaknesses and more explored for top prospects at 2025 NHL Draft

The 2025 NHL Draft is set for June 27-28 in Los Angeles, California, and there are several high-impact players who are eligible to be drafted.

Two of the best forwards in the NHL Draft are Michael Misa and James Hagens. Both could be top-five picks, and ahead of the NHL Draft, here is a comparison between two of the top forwards.

Michael Misa vs James Hagens

Stats

Michael Misa played in the OHL for the Saginaw Spirit, which is the junior hockey league in Canada, featuring players who are aged 16-20.

Misa had a stellar year last season as he recorded 62 goals and 72 assists for 134 points in 65 games. However, players tend to produce more offense in the CHL than in NCAA hockey or the men's pro leagues in Europe.

James Hagens, meanwhile, played at Boston College. As a freshman, he recorded 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points in 37 games.

Although Misa put up more points, some scouts have indicated that if Hagens played in the OHL, his numbers would have been similar.

Strengths

Michael Misa is the top-ranked forward in the NHL Draft and is known for his offensive production. His skating is one of the best attributes of his game, as well as his vision and playmaking. Although he scored a ton in the OHL, Misa is a better playmaker than he is a sniper.

The major strength of Hagens is his skating and hockey sense. Hagens knows where to be on the ice. His playmaking ability is great, as his offensive production should increase as he gets older and more mature.

Weaknesses

Misa doesn't have a ton of weaknesses, but one would be his size and ability to be physical. A lot of highly-skilled players in the NHL aren't overly physical, so it likely won't be a major knock against him.

A knock on Hagens has been his compete level, as he does have some lackluster shifts at times. He also likes to stay on the outside too much as he doesn't often go into the greasy areas in the corners or the front of the net, which could hinder his draft stock.

Michael Misa & James Hagens draft rankings

Michael Misa is ranked as the second-best player in the NHL Draft, according to The Athletic's Corey Pronman. TSN's Bob McKenzie ranks Misa second overall, while Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis has Misa ranked second.

Hagens' draft stock, meanwhile, is very much up in the air. Hagens is ranked fourth by Ellis, while McKenzie ranks him seventh. Pronman, meanwhile, ranks Hagens fifth.

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Edited by Cole Shelton