Almost every Boston Bruins lineup prediction for the 2026-27 season has James Hagens playing the wing on the second or third line, throwing him into the deep end and hoping that he can swim well enough to give the team some much-needed depth scoring. However, what many aren't acknowledging is that the Bruins already have 13 forwards on one-way deals who it would be surprising to see sent down, and that doesn't include Lukas Reichel and Matthew Poitras, who hope to contend for a roster spot.
The Bruins have already been very patient with Hagens once in his career, much to the chagrin of Boston fans who believed that he should've been riding shotgun with Pastrnak to start his career. It wasn't the worst plan to slow-play Hagens in 2025-26, and given that strategy, no one should be too surprised if the front office and coaching staff find a way for him to start this upcoming season in Providence as well.
Hagens and Fraser Minten are the only two forwards set to contend for a roster spot that are waiver-exempt. There is no way the latter will ever be sent to Providence, which means Hagens might be the victim of a numbers game for which the front office only has itself to blame. Don Sweeney can say all he wants that he isn't afraid to bury some of the contracts he signed in the minors, but that doesn't mean he will actually follow through with it.
If James Hagens is in, who do the Bruins leave out?
It's going to be an ugly scene amongst the fanbase if Mikey Eyssimont, Alex Steeves, or even Sean Kuraly is left in Boston while Hagens gets an opportunity. The Bruins likely should've found a trade partner for Kuraly this season, who was a nice nostalgic act in 2025-26 but could make way for some younger talent on that fourth line. Another mistake was likely the Steeves extension or even signing Eyssimont at all, but unfortunately, that is the position they have put themselves in.
All the fans clamoring for Poitras to get a full-time opportunity should be a bit careful about what they wish for. The organization could prove me wrong, but with their current roster, it's difficult to see how both Poitras and Hagens make this opening-night roster. The hope is that, in short order, the team finds a way to clear up some more space and both players can show why they are the Bruins' future, but that might take some time.
Considering the Bruins already have to clear space with the logjam on defense, it's impossible to predict what the front office will prioritize and how quickly they can make it happen.
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