When Boston College’s James Hagens, who was rated as the world’s best potential before to this season, was taken by the Bruins at No. 7, they added a significant talent to their pipeline of prospects. The Long Island native was instantly named the team’s top prospect.
“I adore Boston and the surrounding area,” Hagens told ESPN.
Actor Adam Sandler, well known as Happy Gilmore, called Hagens’ name, and he appeared equally delighted.
I’ll never forget that, said a beaming Hagens, who said that his favorite film was Happy Gilmore.
During one awkward time, the broadcast had to end because the Bruins brass on Causeway Street was unable to hear the player while attempting to connect with Hagens at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles via Zoom.
For the benefit of the Bs and Hagens, hopefully, that will be the only hiccup in his growth.
Hagens, who is 5-11 and weighs 177 pounds (he claims he has gained 13 pounds since those measurements were recorded), had a great season at BC but didn’t have the same kind of incredible season at Boston University as Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 pick from the previous year. However, Hagens had 11-26-37 totals in 37 games while playing between Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perrault, which is respectable for a rookie in college. He was forced to be a set-up man because he was playing with those two future NHL players.
Hagens scored 39 goals and provided 63 assists for the U.S. National U18 team in 2023–24 before to joining BC. In addition, he was a member of the 2025 Team USA, which finished second among US players with nine points and won the World Junior Championships. After scoring 22 points in seven games, he was awarded MVP of the United States’ 2024 U18 World Junior Championship silver medal winning squad.
B’s general manager Don Sweeney took issue when it was brought out that Hagens’ production wasn’t quite up to par.
According to Sweeney, it’s a little unfair for guys to enter as freshmen. Looking back at James’s record, you can see that he has been at the top of output and a prolific point producer in comparison to his peers. You’re correct that some players have entered college hockey at that age and performed better overall, but his season on the top line of one of the best teams in the nation is not to be ashamed of. We are not worried that he will take a step backward.
Hagen’s skating prowess, which allows him to make sharp bends and direction changes, is his greatest strength. In addition, he has outstanding vision and can predict plays well. Hagens scored his best goal of the season in the NCAA regionals when BC was tied in a 0-0 game late in the third period against upstart Bentley, but the loaded Eagles were unable to win a national championship this year. By scoring the game’s lone goal on a heads-up wraparound, the youthful centerman saved the Eagles bacon.
The fact that Hagens should have a healthy chip on his shoulder after dropping in the draft is another factor that should favor the Bruins with the selection.
We’ll see, hopefully, next year. Using Zoom, Hagens stated, “I thought this year was really good.” All I have to do is go out there the following year and show everyone who passed me how foolish they were. I’m where I want to be right now. A Boston Bruin is what I aspire to be.
However, Hagens lacks a strong shot and is slightly small, so it will be difficult for him to penetrate inside the ice.
The Eagles frequently practice at Warrior Ice Arena, where Hagens will be on Monday for the Bruins Development Camp. He stated that he wants to join the NHL as soon as possible, but it is unclear if he would go back to British Columbia.
Hagens, who played in a lot of tournaments as a child in Boston, said, “I’m sure I’ll have that talk with the staff when I see them.” I’ve now reached 190. I’ve been able to prepare, go to the gym, and gain some weight. As soon as feasible, I would like to play in the NHL. Whether it’s now or when the collegiate season is finished, it is a discussion with the team. We’re going to need to talk about that.
Sweeney stated that he does not want to rush him and that the choice would be taken gradually throughout the summer. Additionally, Sweeney noted that with some of the older players no longer in the program, Hagens will have the chance to play a more play-driving role and cultivate a shot mentality at BC next season.
After the Islanders traded Noah Dobson to Montreal for the 16th and 17th picks earlier in the day, there was some conjecture that they might try to acquire the No. 7 pick with those two picks in order to add Hagens, their hometown boy, to a first-round haul that also included Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick.
The talk had little effect on Hagens.
I avoided all of the stuff. I didn’t know where I would finish up. I am extremely thankful that I ended up in Boston, that I am a Bruin, and that I will remain in the Boston region. It just so happened that I was chosen by the Boston Bruins to attend college there. “I’m really happy that it worked out,” Hagens stated.
Although neither general manager provided specifics regarding their possible dance partners, Sweeney stated he had conversations about trading back, and Islanders GM Mathieu Darche stated he attempted to trade the two selections to move up to acquire Hagens.
We had a few options, but we felt compelled to choose James while he was present, Sweeney said.
Both of those selections were made by the Islanders, and they turned out rather well. They selected defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, who had also been on the rise recently, and right wing Victor Eklund, who some analysts had risen into the top 10.
Last season, the Bruins undoubtedly encountered a lot of Hagens. In addition to playing in their backyard at Chestnut Hill, he was a teammate of previous season’s first-round pick (25th overall) Dean Letourneau of the Boston Bruins. Bruin choices also include Eagles Oskar Jellvik and Andre Gasseau.
Hagens is BC’s 27th-ever first-round selection.
On Saturday, when the Bruins have two second-round selections (51, 61), the draft will continue. Sweeney stated that he will continue to negotiate trading picks to acquire a player on Saturday.
