James Hagens had a tough start to his Rookie Camp exhibition games Sunday afternoon, much to the chagrin of some fans like myself who wrote about how those types of mistakes could be the reason he won't make the Boston Bruins' opening night roster. The Bruins' top prospect then proceeded to deposit six goals in the Buffalo Sabres' net over the next 5+ periods, quieting the doubters and leaving me seeking forgiveness from the fanbase.
Another person Hagens' performance in these two games kind of proved wrong was Marco Sturm. It's one thing to score these goals against the Sabres' rookies, and it's another to score them against the actual Sabres in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but one criticism last season was that Hagens didn't get a chance to invigorate the first powerplay unit. Four powerplay goals from nearly the same spot on the ice proved the fans right who said he should be given the opportunity.
Just James being James 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LxZErvrZyF
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 14, 2026
It is important to reiterate that Hagens hasn't earned a chance at the opening night roster because of six goals in two Rookie Camp games. He will still need to prove it against NHL competition, but there is no shame in letting his lethal shots on the man advantage turn into dreams of him doing it against top competition. If he gets that kind of time and space in the NHL, it's hard to think of many goalies who would stop these types of shots.
James Hagens pursuit of the Bruins' first powerplay unit
For the first time in a long time, the Bruins might have too many bodies to occupy the five spots on the first powerplay unit. For the past couple of seasons, it was hard to find more than five capable of getting the job done, but now there will be someone unhappy when training camp breaks.
David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy (once he returns from suspension) are the ones with their names written in stone. It'd also be hard to see JJ Peterka not occupying a spot after the Bruins gave up so much to bring in the offensive presence. Morgan Geekie will feel like he should be back there, but is he as effective if he isn't on the left flank? With both Hagens and Peterka wanting the right flank, Pastrnak may have to play the left side and push Geekie out.
The ideal spot for Peterka is the right flank, while it looks like Hagens is going to have something to say about claiming that for his own. If Peterka can end up sliding into the bumper, that leaves some intriguing one-time options for Pastrnak, McAvoy, Peterka, and Hagens. The only question left to answer then would be whether Geekie takes the net-front or if Pavel Zacha slides in there, as he is a better fit for that role.
The good news is: Sturm now has options. It's more than could've been said at this time last season.
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