A Local Lens on Prospects
The New York Islanders' development camp, which runs through Thursday, offers a rare glimpse into the next wave of talent vying for a spot on the franchise's roster. A public scrimmage scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. will give fans a first‑hand look at the prospects in action.
Ryan Franks, Tanner Adams and Michael Hagens arrived at the camp as familiar faces from Long Island's youth hockey circuits. The trio has known each other since they were four years old, competing together in local leagues before moving up the ranks.
Franks, who spent last season with Maryland in the North American Hockey League, posted 31 goals and 28 assists in 43 games. After a brief five‑game stint with the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms, he will begin his college career at Canisius this season, marking a shift from junior hockey to the NCAA.
Adams, a junior at Providence College, contributed 11 goals and 13 assists in the previous season. He now finds himself on a Hockey East line opposite Michael Hagens, his longtime rival from Boston College, adding an extra layer of intensity to their matchup.
Hagens, a sophomore at Boston College, recorded five assists across 33 games last year. Off the ice, his younger brother James was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft, underscoring a family deep‑rooted in the sport.
All three players share a common goal: securing a professional contract, whether with the Islanders or another NHL team. Their shared history and competitive drive create a narrative that resonates strongly with the local community that has supported them since childhood.
The upcoming scrimmage will be open to the public and serves as a litmus test for the prospects' readiness. Coaches will evaluate not only skill sets but also the chemistry that has long defined the Long Island trio.