The New York Islanders won the NHL Draft Lottery Monday night and will pick first overall next month. There’s plenty of speculation on who their choice might be but one of their options will be a local kid who just signed a deal with Upper Deck.
Eighteen-year-old prospect James Hagens grew up an Isles fan in Hauppauge, NY and is certain to be among the top picks. His new agreement with Upper Deck gives the company exclusive rights to his physical and digital trading cards, collectibles, and memorabilia and the core rights to his name, image, likeness, and autograph for upcoming hockey products.
Hagens, a playmaking center for Boston College, also made an early impact during his time with the US National Development Team Development Program. He ranked second overall in team scoring with 26 goals and 40 assists across 43 games during the 2022-23 season. He went on to record another 39 goals and 63 assists during the 2023-24 season before leading the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championship with 22 points, earning MVP honors and a silver medal.
Hagens also helped the U.S. men’s national junior hockey team to win gold at the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
“We’re excited to support James Hagens ahead of a monumental stage in his career and celebrate his successes as he prepares for the NHL Draft and his NHL debut,” remarked Upper Deck President Jason Masherah.
Upper Deck is already selling prints, jerseys, pucks, and other Hagens items on its website and plans to incorporate him into its upcoming trading card products as well.
