Boston College Alum James Hagens Makes NHL Debut with Bruins

Hagens, the Bruins' 7th overall pick in 2025, takes the ice for the first time in the NHL.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Formerly a standout forward at Boston College, James Hagens has officially made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins. Hagens, who was the Bruins' 7th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was called up from the AHL's Providence Bruins and will skate on a line with Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov in his first NHL game.

Why it matters

The Bruins have a strong track record of developing young talent, with players like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman all making their professional debuts with the Providence Bruins before becoming key contributors in the NHL. Hagens' NHL debut continues this trend and represents an exciting milestone for the 22-year-old forward as he looks to establish himself at the highest level of professional hockey.

The details

Hagens, who previously led Boston College with 6 game-winning goals, 2 hat tricks, and 133 shots this season, signed an AHL amateur tryout agreement with the Bruins on March 24 after the Eagles were eliminated from the Hockey East Tournament. He will be making his NHL debut on April 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, skating on a line with fellow prospects Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov.

  • Hagens signed an AHL amateur tryout agreement with the Bruins on March 24, 2026.
  • Hagens will make his NHL debut on April 12, 2026 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The players

James Hagens

A 22-year-old forward who was the Boston Bruins' 7th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He previously played 4 seasons at Boston College, where he led the team in several offensive categories this year before signing with the Bruins' AHL affiliate.

Marco Sturm

The head coach of the Boston Bruins, who announced that Hagens will make his NHL debut on April 12.

Fraser Minten

A Bruins prospect who will be skating on a line with Hagens in his NHL debut.

Marat Khusnutdinov

A Bruins prospect who will be skating on a line with Hagens in his NHL debut.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He will play his first NHL game today, he's very excited. Hopefully, he's going to have a good first game ... probably keep it simple. It's not going to be easy but I think that's the message he just received.”

— Marco Sturm, Head Coach, Boston Bruins

What’s next

The Bruins will be closely monitoring Hagens' performance in his NHL debut, as he looks to prove he can contribute at the highest level and potentially earn a more permanent spot on the NHL roster.

The takeaway

James Hagens' NHL debut with the Boston Bruins represents an exciting milestone for the young forward, who is the latest in a line of Boston College products to make the jump to the NHL with the Bruins organization. His call-up demonstrates the team's commitment to developing homegrown talent and provides Hagens with an opportunity to showcase his skills on hockey's biggest stage.