By: Neil Simmons | Follow me on Twitter / X: @NSimmz
When the Boston College Eagles entered the Hockey East Tournament last March, Bruins fans everywhere watched intently for one reason – James Hagens. Boston’s prized draft pick had been the driving force of the Eagles all season, shattering his freshman year scoring totals, winning the Beanpot, and earning First-Team All-American honors. Bruins faithful were eager to see their most hyped prospect in over a decade either lead BC back to the NCAA Tournament or don the Spoked B as soon as possible.
BC’s season ending in the semifinals at TD Garden seemed almost too perfect, as if he could’ve just left his gear in the locker room and be back with the Bruins the next morning. His contract announcement felt imminent, but while so many other college players around the country signed their deals, the silence grew uncomfortable, and Bruins fans started choking on their bated breath.
Four days passed before any news broke, and social media was rife with speculation over Hagens’ future. When the announcement finally came that he had signed an Amateur Tryout with Providence, the reaction was mixed at best, and the fanbase became divided. While some pointed to Charlie McAvoy as proof of concept for the development path Hagens had begun, starting in Providence on an ATO before matriculating to Boston, others worried the front office was being overly cautious and on the path to souring the relationship with their top prospect before he set foot on NHL ice.
In the midst of the bickering, Porter Martone, the player Philadelphia drafted sixth overall in front of Hagens, had already been signed, played five NHL games, and had just scored an overtime winner against the Bruins. The calls for Hagens had gotten even louder, and the Bruins listened.
In the end, Hagens did not linger in Providence as long as some hoped, and others feared. He signed his entry-level contract to join the Boston Bruins after just six games in the AHL, and his path was officially locked in for the rest of the season. He could not return to Providence for the Calder Cup playoffs, which some argued was best for his development, but a point in his debut suggested he was more than capable of holding his own at the next level.
Hagens carried his lineup spot into the playoffs, implying that he had won the confidence of the staff. But once the Bruins found themselves in an early series hole, he was one of the first healthy bodies pulled from the lineup, and his understudies didn’t fare much better. Lukas Reichel, Mikey Eyssimont, and Alex Steeves were all held off the scoresheet, and the Bruins went down in six.
The scratching once again re-ignited the same fanbase ire that had quieted when Hagens signed, and brought the Bruins’ prospect development back under scrutiny. While the Bruins were not a James Hagens away from making the playoffs, or a James Hagens away from upsetting the Buffalo Sabres, the performances of those who replaced him in the lineup left fans wondering if the team had a plan for developing their most important prospect in 15 years.
Ultimately, the Bruins’ roster moves this offseason will indicate management’s opinion of Hagens. Don Sweeney mentioned at the end-of-season press conference that he would’ve preferred Hagens to be playing in the Calder Cup with Providence, and that he would “get a chance” to play in the middle of the ice next season. His performance with Team USA at the World Championships could help Hagens secure his place in Boston next season, or find him right back in Providence, where this rollercoaster would start all over again.
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