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The Bruins hope the signing of top prospect James Hagens can provide a creative spark as they battle for a playoff spot.Boston Today
Former Boston College men’s hockey forward James Hagens has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins. Hagens, a first-round pick by the Bruins in 2025, led Hockey East in points last season and was named a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist. After a brief stint with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, Hagens has now been called up to the NHL and could make his debut as soon as this weekend.
Why it matters
Hagens is considered one of the top young prospects in hockey, and his signing with the Bruins is a significant development for the organization as they push for a playoff spot. The Bruins are hoping Hagens can provide an offensive boost down the stretch and help them secure a postseason berth.
The details
Hagens, a 19-year-old native of Hauppauge, New York, spent the last two seasons playing for Boston College, where he led Hockey East in points last season with 23 goals and 24 assists. He was also named a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist, an award given to the top player in college hockey. After being selected 7th overall by the Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft, Hagens joined the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, on an amateur tryout agreement in March, where he recorded 4 points in 6 games. The Bruins are hoping Hagens can make an immediate impact at the NHL level as they battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Hagens signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the Bruins on April 8, 2026.Hagens joined the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, on an amateur tryout agreement on March 24, 2026.Hagens was selected 7th overall by the Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft.
The players
James Hagens
A 19-year-old forward who spent the last two seasons playing for the Boston College men’s hockey team, where he led Hockey East in points last season and was named a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist. Hagens was selected 7th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Don Sweeney
The general manager of the Boston Bruins, who announced the signing of Hagens to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Boston Bruins
The NHL team that drafted Hagens in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft and has now signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract.
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What they’re saying
“Hagens is here.”
— Boston Bruins, Twitter account
What’s next
The exact date of Hagens’ NHL debut was not disclosed, but he could make it as soon as this upcoming Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 12:30 p.m. in Boston, Mass.
The takeaway
Hagens’ signing with the Bruins is a significant development for the organization as they push for a playoff spot. The Bruins are hoping the 19-year-old can provide an offensive boost down the stretch and help them secure a postseason berth.