The Boston Bruins have signed forward James Hagens, their top prospect and the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, to an amateur tryout agreement with their AHL affiliate in Providence.
General Manager Don Sweeney announced the move, expressing enthusiasm about Hagens joining the organization. Hagens, a 19-year-old from Hauppauge, New York, will report to the Providence Bruins and take part in their practice on Tuesday, March 24, at Amica Mutual Pavilion. The agreement allows the skilled forward to gain professional experience without committing to a full entry-level contract, leaving flexibility for his development path.
Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 193 pounds, Hagens wrapped up a dominant sophomore season at Boston College, where he led Hockey East in scoring with 47 points from 23 goals and 24 assists over 34 games. He topped the team with six game-winning goals, two hat tricks and 133 shots on goal. The previous year, as a freshman, he earned All-Rookie Team honors with 37 points, bringing his two-year college total to 84 points in 71 games. His college career ended without an NCAA tournament berth, prompting the shift to pro hockey.
Before Boston College, Hagens spent two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2022 to 2024, amassing 187 points, including 72 goals and 115 assists—ranking fifth in program history. Internationally, he has shone for Team USA, winning gold at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 U-18 Men’s World Championship. At the 2024 U-18 tournament, he set a single-tournament scoring record with 22 points, earned MVP honors and helped secure silver. He also competed at the 2026 World Juniors.
Sweeney highlighted Hagens’ versatility, noting his ability to play center or wing, which could ease a potential NHL transition. The Bruins view this as a key step in his growth, with daily evaluations ahead. Scouts have praised his readiness, suggesting he has outpaced college competition.
Boston holds the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race after a recent victory over Detroit. While Hagens arrives amid the stretch drive, his immediate role figures to be in Providence, bolstering the Bruins’ prospect pipeline as they push for postseason success. This signing marks their highest draft selection since Tyler Seguin at No. 2 in 2010, signaling investment in young talent to sustain competitiveness.
Happy Gilmore makes the pick! 🏌️
— NHL (@NHL) June 28, 2025
Adam Sandler and the @NHLBruins select James Hagens!
📺: 2025 Upper Deck #NHLDraft on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet and @TVASports pic.twitter.com/gatNf2Q3m2
