By: Neil Simmons | Follow me on Twitter / X: @NSimmz
The Boston Bruins have signed Boston College forward James Hagens to an AHL Amateur Tryout (ATO) on Monday night. Hagens, Boston’s seventh overall selection from the 2025 NHL Draft, will join the Bruins organization for the rest of the 2025-26 season before burning time on an entry-level contract.
Hagens wrapped up his season with BC on Friday night following a 4-3 overtime loss to UConn in the Hockey East Tournament semifinal. Following a point-per-game freshman season centering Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, Hagens broke out as a sophomore with 23-24-47 in 34 games, and was named a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist. He finished his Eagles career with a total of 34-50-84 in 71 total games.
Hagens won a Hockey East regular-season title as a freshman and helped break the program’s 10-year Beanpot championship drought earlier this season, earning Tournament MVP honors. He also participated in two World Junior Championships for Team USA during his time on Chestnut Hill, winning a gold medal in 2025.
While Hagens was drafted as a center, it is unclear if he will slot into that role right away with the Bruins organization. Boston’s entrenched depth chart down the middle could see Hagens begin his professional career on the wing, where he was far more productive with BC.
It remains to be seen when Hagens could make his NHL debut. As reported by Emily Kaplan, he will report to Providence to begin his pro career, following a similar path to Charlie McAvoy following his sophomore season nine years ago.
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