The Boston Bruins not only got a steal in James Hagens at No. 7 in the 2025 NHL Draft, but they also grabbed a perfect fit.
Hagens currently plays down the road from the Bruins’ home, TD Garden, at Conte Forum with Boston College. The 5-foot-11, 177-pound forward had 11 goals and 26 assists on a loaded Eagles team in his freshman season.
No matter whether Hagens decides to stay an extra season at BC or play with Boston, he will stay close to his brother. The Long Island native’s brother is Michael Hagens, who also plays for the Eagles.
“His brother is right down the block, I’m so ecstatic,” his father, Michael Hagens, said on the ESPN broadcast. “Let’s go Boston, it’s a great place to go.”
With BC, Hagens has played with three Bruins’ prospects, with 2024 first-round draft pick Dean Letourneau, 2021 fifth-round pick Oskar Jellvik and seventh-round pick Andre Gasseau.
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Hagens has a familiarity with TD Garden, playing in the Bruins’ home for the Beanpot tournament.
On top of his Boston ties, Hagens is just what the Boston lineup needs. Even if he doesn’t immediately go to the Bruins, he will be a perfect fit.
The Bruins have been needing some more offense, and the forward will bring that. With his skating ability, he can easily get through the neutral zone. He is an assist magnet with his vision, totaling 26 assists with BC.
Whenever he does step into the Bruins’ lineup, he should create offense.
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To top off why he fits Boston, the Bruins got the actor from his favorite movie to announce the No.7 pick.
Hagens said “Happy Gilmore,” starring Adam Sandler, is his favorite movie. On Friday, Sandler was the one to walk on the screen to announce the Bruins’ pick.
“I love Boston, I love the area, it’s so special to be able to have Adam Sandler make that pick,” Hagens said. “It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
