Boston Bruins prospect James Hagens is taking the long view on his path to the NHL.
The club’s 2025 first-round draft pick confirmed earlier this summer he will return to Boston College for his sophomore season rather than jumping straight to the pros. After being selected seventh overall, Hagens weighed his options with family and team officials before deciding that another year in the NCAA was best.
“It’s definitely something that I talked about a lot with my family and the staff of the Bruins,” Hagens told WEEI, as transcribed by Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News. “There’s no reason to rush anything … There’s a different timeline for everyone, so I just kind of thought about what the right step in the process would be.”
The 18-year-old center impressed as a freshman, posting 11 goals, 26 assists and a plus-21 rating in 37 games. With linemates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault now in the NHL, Hagens will be expected to drive more of the Eagles’ offense for a team with championship ambitions.
His return also caps a whirlwind offseason. From draft night in Los Angeles to development camp in Brighton, international play with Team USA and Bruins community events, Hagens has packed in as much hockey and Boston exposure as possible.
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“It’s crazy, it’s kind of been a whirlwind, this whole summer,” Hagens told Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub. “But to be able to be here, to train with the Bruins and … give back, it means a lot.”
For now, the focus shifts to Chestnut Hill, where Hagens has set clear goals: winning the Beanpot and a national championship.
The Bruins will be watching closely, knowing his decision to stay in school could pay off with a more polished, NHL-ready player when his time does comes.
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