Former BC Hockey Forward James Hagens Signs Entry-Level Deal With Bruins

The 19-year-old led Hockey East in points last season and was a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Bruins hope the signing of top prospect James Hagens can provide a creative spark as they battle for a playoff spot.Boston Today

Former Boston College men's hockey forward James Hagens has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins. Hagens, a first-round pick of the Bruins in 2025, led Hockey East in points last season and was named a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist. He joins the Bruins' AHL affiliate in Providence after a brief stint there on an amateur tryout agreement.

Why it matters

The Bruins are in the midst of a playoff push in the Eastern Conference, and they believe Hagens can help contribute to their postseason run. Hagens is a highly touted prospect who has excelled at both the collegiate and international levels, making this a significant signing for the Bruins as they look to bolster their roster for the stretch run.

The details

Hagens, a 19-year-old native of Hauppauge, New York, spent the last two seasons starring for Boston College. In his sophomore campaign, he led Hockey East in points with 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points. He also recorded a team-high six game-winning goals, two hat tricks, and 133 shots. Prior to joining BC, Hagens spent two seasons with the USNTDP, where he totaled 187 points on 72 goals and 115 assists, good for the fifth-most in program history.

  • Hagens joined the Bruins' AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, on March 24 on an amateur tryout agreement.
  • Hagens' NHL debut could come as soon as this Saturday, April 12, when the Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The players

James Hagens

A 19-year-old forward who recently signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins after starring at Boston College, where he led Hockey East in points last season and was named a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist.

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins, who announced the signing of Hagens to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Boston Bruins

The NHL team that signed James Hagens to a three-year, entry-level contract as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“Hagens is here.”

— Boston Bruins

What’s next

The exact date of Hagens' NHL debut was not disclosed, but he could make it as soon as this upcoming Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 12:30 p.m. in Boston, Mass.

The takeaway

This signing represents a significant addition for the Bruins as they look to make a deep playoff run. Hagens is a highly skilled prospect who has excelled at both the collegiate and international levels, and the Bruins are hopeful that he can provide an immediate boost to their offense and help them secure a postseason berth.