James Hagens, a promising young forward, recently joined the Providence Bruins on an American Hockey League (AHL) amateur tryout agreement. Drafted seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft, Hagens, 19, took part in his first professional practice on Tuesday.
Exciting Transition to Professional Hockey
After his first practice, Hagens expressed his enthusiasm. “It was fun and really exciting being out there,” he commented. This moment marks a significant milestone in his career as he prepares to play against the Springfield Thunderbirds on Wednesday.
Hagens welcomed the chance to showcase his skills in the AHL. “It’s a great chance to be a part of a team like this,” he stated. He had an impressive season at Boston College, leading Hockey East with 47 points, including 23 goals and 24 assists in 34 games.
Impressive College and Junior Performance
- 2022-2023 Season: 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) at Boston College.
- Career at Boston College: 84 points (34 goals, 50 assists) over two seasons.
- United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP): 187 points (72 goals, 115 assists) across two seasons (2022-2024).
At Boston College, Hagens also led with six game-winning goals and recorded two hat tricks, along with 133 shots on goal. His accolades include being named to the All-Rookie Team last season.
Future Prospects and Evaluation
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney commented on Hagens’ transition to the pro level, stating that the AHL provides an ideal environment for young players. “It allows him to jump right into the lineup,” Sweeney explained. He emphasized the importance of Hagens getting comfortable and continuing to evaluate his performance.
Regarding moving up to the NHL, Sweeney noted, “It’s a process that allows him to get comfortable.” The coaching staff will determine if Hagens’ contributions warrant a spot in the NHL.
International Success
Hagens, a native of Hauppauge, New York, has also represented the United States at international competitions, including the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2025 and 2026. He won gold at the 2025 WJC and at the 2023 U-18 World Championship.
In a notable achievement, Hagens set the U-18 World Championship scoring record with 22 points in the 2024 tournament, earning MVP honors while helping the U.S. win the silver medal.
Building Relationships and Reputation
As he acclimates to professional hockey, Hagens has received support from Bruins players, including defenseman Charlie McAvoy. Hagens appreciated the outreach, especially since both players share a New York background.
With Hagens now part of the AHL, the focus will shift to how he can leverage this opportunity to further his career in the NHL. El-Balad will continue to track his progress as he embarks on this next chapter.
