Going into training camp, there are a lot of questions facing the Boston Bruins in terms of how things could play out when it comes to the roster makeup. A lot of the decisions are going to be centered around the younger players on the roster and some of the overload of veteran defensemen and bottom-six forwards.
However, one player who is going to have a lot of eyes on him is going to be former first-round pick, No. 7 overall, James Hagens. He played in a few regular-season games and the first three games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series against the Buffalo Sabres. However, he was scratched for the final three games, and it was eye-opening for the former Boston College standout.
“It really shows you how hard it is,” Hagens said. “You can’t take a day off. It’s not easy at all. So, it’s being prepared, especially now using this time in the offseason just to put yourself in the right opportunity to try to make the team.”
That certainly sounds like someone who is already in the right frame of mind going into the training camp in a couple of weeks. Whether it's as a center or wing, just where Hagens fits remains to be seen.
Important Bruins dates to know
It's hard to believe, but there is hockey this month. That's right: NHL training camps, preseason games, and the beginning of an 84-game regular season kick off in September. Here some important dates to know for the Bruins this month,
The Bruins will open Rookie Camp at Warrior Ice Arena on Sept. 11 before the Prospects Showcase in Western New York in Buffalo on Sept. 13 and 14. On Sept. 16, training camp officially opens, and before you know it, Sept. 20 will be here, and the preseason opener at TD Garden against the Washington Capitals. Boston will also host the Philadelphia Flyers before they visit Philadelphia on Sept. 24. One night later, they will close out the preseason against the Capitals on the road.
As for the season opener, the Black and Gold will host the New York Rangers on Sept. 29 at TD Garden after the Carolina Hurricanes kick off the season, raising the Stanley Cup banner against the Florida Panthers.
Connor Hellebuyck's future in Winnipeg is in doubt
Last week, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck confirmed his trade request through his agent, and there have been several destinations listed where he could end up. One of them is Buffalo, and well, that wouldn't be good for the Black and Gold. Anyway, something to keep in the back of your mind: the Bruins visit the Jets on Oct. 2 for their first road game of the 2026-27 season.
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