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Feb 28, 2025; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Boston College forward James Hagens (10) shoots the puck against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats during the third period at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Boston Bruins' first-round pick from the 2025 NHL Draft is still in college.
James Hagens isn't letting his career at Boston College end quietly, either, as he just scored two goals to help BC advance in the Hockey East conference tournament. But when that run is over, keep an eye on him.
Hagens is exactly the type of college draftee who can slide right up to the NHL and make an impact.
The Bruins would certainly like to get into the playoffs and go on a run of their own. Hagens could be the difference maker in that pursuit.
"And then there’s James Hagens, and I know there’s some concerns about him being more of a perimeter player for Boston College, but he’s also the type of guy that, if Boston makes the playoffs this year, you throw him in," Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis said on his latest podcast appearance. "Any time you get a guy who’s productive in college, we tend to see them go have these great ends to the season in the NHL, and partly it’s because they don’t play as many games. When you talk about a guy playing under 40 games, they’re a lot more rested than the guys who have been through that 75-, 80-, 82-game grind in the NHL."
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It's certainly a fascinating bonus card to play, kind of like a trade deadline acquisition except later in the season.
The Bruins likely knew all along when they drafted Hagens that he could follow a path like this one if things went well, and that's definitely in play at the moment.
Hagens had been viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the draft but fell to No. 7 for the Bruins. They weren't complaining.
Soon, he might get the chance to prove why he warranted such an early selection.
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