Bruins Sign Prospect James Hagens to AHL Tryout

Highly touted 2025 draft pick joins Providence Bruins on Amateur Tryout Agreement

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:33am

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The Boston Bruins have officially signed forward James Hagens, their 2025 seventh overall draft pick, to an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) with their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Hagens, 19, is coming off a standout collegiate career at Boston College where he led Hockey East in scoring this past season. The ATO allows Hagens to gain valuable professional experience without burning a year of his entry-level contract.

Why it matters

Hagens is considered a key part of the Bruins' future, and this ATO provides him an opportunity to accelerate his development by getting immediate exposure to the professional game with the Providence Bruins. ATOs have become an increasingly common strategy for NHL teams to integrate top prospects into the pro ranks.

The details

In his two seasons at Boston College, Hagens dominated the collegiate level, earning Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors in 2024-25 and leading the conference in scoring this past season with 47 points in 34 games. He also has extensive international experience, winning gold medals with the U.S. at the 2025 World Juniors and 2023 U-18 tournament, where he set the single-tournament scoring record.

  • Hagens signed the ATO with the Providence Bruins on March 24, 2026.

The players

James Hagens

A 19-year-old forward who was the Boston Bruins' seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Don Sweeney

The General Manager of the Boston Bruins.

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What they’re saying

“We're very excited to have James join the Bruins organization and seize this next step. James is an important part of our future, and this is a great opportunity for him to get immediate experience at the professional level in Providence and continue his development, while keeping all options open.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager, Boston Bruins

What’s next

The Bruins will closely monitor Hagens' progress with the Providence Bruins, providing guidance and support as he transitions to the professional level. His performance in the AHL will be crucial in determining his readiness for a full-time NHL roster spot in the future.

The takeaway

The Bruins' signing of James Hagens to an ATO demonstrates the team's commitment to developing its top prospects and integrating them into the organization. ATOs have become an increasingly common strategy for NHL teams to give their elite young talent a taste of the pro game without rushing their development.