James Hagens Gets Positive Prediction As Bruins Debut Looms – NESN

Cole Shelton
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; James Hagens is selected as the seventh overall pick to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Cole is a graduate of Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, where he earned a diploma in Journalism. He has covered professional sports for Heavy, BJPENN, CBC Sports, The Canadian Press, and USA Today SMG, among other publications.
The Boston Bruins could get some roster reinforcement just before the playoffs begin.
Boston selected James Hagens seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Leading into his draft year, Hagens was in the mix to be the first overall pick, but he fell to being seventh overall out of Boston College.
Since being picked, Hagens has continued his development at Boston College and was recently named the Beanpot MVP. He has 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 26 games, as Hagens looks like he’s ready to make the jump to the NHL.
Bruins insider Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic predicts Hagens will make his debut after his college season ends, for a potential playoff push.
“Last year’s roster bust-up went a long way in reinforcing the future,” Shinzawa wrote in an article published on Monday. “Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov project to be long-term Bruins. James Hagens is developing well as a Boston College sophomore. The Beanpot MVP could arrive in short order.”
Hagens could join the long list of college players who end their season and immediately sign an NHL contract to join their NHL team for a playoff push.
If the Bruins don’t land a top-six forward ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, Hagens could be the answer and add a spark to Boston’s lineup.
Yet, for the time being, Hagens will remain at Boston College and potentially lead them to a National Championship. 
More NHL: Insider Reveals Bruins Trade Deadline Plans
Cole is a graduate of Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, where he earned a diploma in Journalism. He has covered professional sports for Heavy, BJPENN, CBC Sports, The Canadian Press, and USA Today SMG, among other publications.

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