By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
When the Boston Bruins drafted James Hagens seventh overall in last summer’s National Hockey League Entry Draft, he instantly became the B’s most hyped prospect in over a decade, and for good reason. The Hauppauge, New York, native spent most of his draft season as the projected first overall selection, before ultimately sliding down the board on draft day. Fast forward nearly a year, and Hagens has signed his Entry-Level Contract with Boston, and made his NHL debut. How did he, and the rest of the B’s prospect pool do this week?
Europe
Vashek Blanar this week for HV71 U20 (U20 Nationell Relegation): Three games played, two assists, no penalties, +2 rating.
HV71 won all ten of their relegation round games. Blanar finished with 2-3-5 in that timeframe. He’ll head to North America next season, after he plays for the Czech U20 team in an upcoming tournament.
Liam Pettersson’s season is over, however according to reports out of Sweden, the B’s second-round pick is signing a contract with Djurgardens. Djurgardens is in the Swedish Hockey League, the top pro league in Sweden.
Kirill Yemelyanov this week for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (MHL Playoffs): Two games played, two goals, two penalty minutes, +2 rating.
Yemelyanov has five goals in five games in the playoffs, and Loko leads their Quarterfinal series over Dinamo-Shinnik two games to none.
Juniors
Cole Chandler has yet to dress for Shawinigan in round two of the QMJHL Playoffs, after missing Game seven in round one. Shawinigan trails the best-of-seven series against Rouyn-Noranda three games to none, with game four being played tonight.
Meanwhile, Cooper Simpson and the Youngstown Phantoms will get their best-of-five series against the Madison Capitols underway on Friday. Youngstown secured a first-round bye after winning the Eastern Conference regular season title.
James Hagens Arrives
James Hagens played his first two NHL games this week, recording his first NHL point with a secondary assist on a goal from Henri Jokiharju. Hagens did not record a point in yesterday’s regular season finale against the New Jersey Devils, but he continued to impress with good details, including tenacious forechecking. I think he should be in the Bruins’ lineup for Game one against the Sabres.
NCAA
Will Zellers and North Dakota fell short in the National semifinals, losing to the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1. Zellers played 18:50 for the Fighting Hawks, recording two shots on goal, and no points or penalties with an Even Plus/Minus rating.
With the College Hockey season over, the transfer portal is in full swing. So far, the only Bruins prospect to enter was Casper Nassen, who is leaving Miami Ohio for Lake Superior State. The Lakers really struggled last season, finishing with an 11-22-3 record, going 8-16-2 in CCHA play. Nassen had 6-12-18 in 36 games for Miami this season, and should be a good add for LSSU.
Providence and Maine
The Providence Bruins have made history. The P-Bruins officially took home the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy this weekend, after defeating the Springfield Thunderbirds 1-0. It’s been an unbelievable season for Providence, who look poised to make a deep run in the Calder Cup playoffs. Fabian Lysell recorded two goals on Saturday in a 6-3 win over the Rochester Americans, his first game back after returning from a concussion.
Meanwhile, in Maine Loke Johansson recorded his second goal of the season in a 7-2 win over the Norfolk Admirals. The Stockholm, Sweden native has 2-2-4 for the Mariners in 35 games in the ECHL this season.
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