The Boston Bruins have signed their top prospect James Hagens to an AHL amateur tryout agreement and he will report to the Providence Bruins, the team announced Monday night.
“We’re very excited to have James join the Bruins organization and take this next step,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said in a press release.
“James is an important part of our future, and this is a great opportunity for him to get immediate experience at the professional level in Providence and continue his development, while keeping all options open.”
Hagens will practice with Providence on Tuesday, per the team. The P-Bruins have the best record in the AHL’s Eastern Conference and their next three games are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Hagens cannot join the Bruins and play in the NHL until he signs his entry-level contract.
While some fans might be disappointed that Hagens is not immediately joining the NHL roster, getting some reps in Providence against AHL competition is a good next step in his development after Boston College’s season ended this past weekend. If Hagens thrives in Providence, maybe the Bruins will bring him to the NHL at some point this season.
This scenario is also not new for the B’s. Charlie McAvoy signed an AHL amateur tryout agreement and reported to Providence in late March of 2017 after his Boston University season ended. McAvoy eventually signed his ELC and played in all six playoff games for the B’s that spring.
Hagens is coming off a fantastic sophomore season at BC in which he tallied a career-high 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) in 34 games.
The Bruins selected Hagens with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
