The Boston Bruins have officially secured forward James Hagens with a three-year entry-level contract, set to commence in the 2025-26 NHL season. The announcement was made by General Manager Don Sweeney, detailing that the contract carries an annual NHL cap hit of $975,000.
Background on James Hagens
At just 19 years old, Hagens was drafted by the Bruins in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, being selected seventh overall. Currently, he is playing with the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO), which he joined on March 24. In six games for Providence this season, he has recorded one goal and three assists for a total of four points.
Impressive Collegiate Career
- Hagens previously played for Boston College, where he excelled in the 2025 season.
- In 34 games, he led Hockey East in scoring with 23 goals and 24 assists, totaling 47 points.
- He scored six game-winning goals and achieved two hat tricks, amassing 133 shots.
- His performance in the 2024-25 season earned him a spot on the conference’s All-Rookie Team, with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists).
Over two seasons with Boston College (2024-26), Hagens completed 71 games, tallying 34 goals and 50 assists, amounting to 84 points.
Development and International Experience
Before his collegiate achievements, Hagens spent two seasons (2022-24) with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). During this time, he scored an impressive 72 goals and provided 115 assists, totaling 187 points—ranking him fifth in the program’s history.
Hagens also boasts significant international experience, having represented the United States in two IIHF World Junior Championships (2025, 2026) and two IIHF U-18 Men’s World Championships (2023, 2024). His notable accomplishments include winning gold at the 2025 World Juniors and the 2023 U-18 tournaments. In addition, he secured the IIHF U-18 Men’s World Championship single-tournament scoring record with 22 points in 2024, earning the tournament MVP honors and aiding the USA in claiming silver.
As the Bruins look ahead, Hagens’ entry-level deal represents a commitment to developing young talent and enhancing the team’s future prospects.
