Bruins sign Beanpot MVP Hagens to 3-year deal

Former Boston College forward inks contract with annual cap hit of $975,000

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:22am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in mid-action, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of the Boston Bruins and Boston College.The Bruins' signing of college hockey standout James Hagens signals their intent to bolster their roster with promising young talent.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins have signed former Boston College forward James Hagens to a three-year contract with an annual salary cap hit of $975,000. Hagens was named the MVP of the 2026 Beanpot tournament, a prestigious annual college hockey competition held in Boston.

Why it matters

The Beanpot is a highly competitive tournament that showcases some of the top college hockey talent in the Northeast. Winning the MVP award is a significant accomplishment, and the Bruins are hoping Hagens' skills will translate to the professional level as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff push.

The details

Hagens, 22, just completed his senior season at Boston College, where he led the team in goals and points. He was a key contributor to the Eagles' Beanpot championship run, scoring the game-winning goal in the final. The Bruins see Hagens as a promising young forward who can provide depth and secondary scoring for their NHL club.

  • Hagens signed his 3-year contract with the Bruins on April 8, 2026.
  • He was named the 2026 Beanpot tournament MVP in February 2026.

The players

James Hagens

A 22-year-old forward who just completed his senior season at Boston College, where he was named the 2026 Beanpot tournament MVP.

Boston Bruins

The NHL hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts that signed James Hagens to a 3-year contract.

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What they’re saying

“James is a skilled, two-way forward who has proven himself at the college level. We're excited to add him to our organization and see his game translate to the pro ranks.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager, Boston Bruins

What’s next

Hagens is expected to join the Bruins' AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to start his professional career and work towards earning a spot on the NHL roster.

The takeaway

The Bruins' signing of Beanpot MVP James Hagens demonstrates their commitment to developing young talent and adding depth to their forward group as they aim to contend for the Stanley Cup in the coming seasons.