One of the most anticipated players going into Boston Bruins training camp is James Hagens. The seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is one of the highest-rated prospects in the Bruins system and is set to be a regular in the Bruins lineup. Seeing him take the ice, regardless of the role, will be huge for the Bruins roster. The preseason will be a nice preview of what he has in store this season. But a strong preseason could change the role that Hagens currently has. It could propel him into a bigger role. But what does he need to do for this to happen?
Hagens had a cup of coffee in the NHL last season. After finishing his season at Boston College, where he racked up 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points, he made the jump to professional hockey. He was sent to the Providence Bruins of the AHL, where he dominated. In six games, he logged one goal and three assists for four points. This earned him a promotion to the NHL. Although he appeared in only five games between the regular season and playoffs, it was valuable experience.
How James Hagens can jump into the top six
One of the biggest adjustments players have to make from the college/junior game to the professional one is the speed and physicality. The game moves so much differently that it takes guys a little bit to adjust. Having already seen how the game moves, Hagens knows what to expect. He knows how the game moves and could tailor his offseason workout around adjusting to it. That's invaluable for a prospect's development.
Now it's all about translating his skill set to the NHL. He needs to find a way to be as productive on offense as he was at Boston College. If he can do this, it will be a huge boost for the Bruins lineup. It will propel their offense into the top five in the NHL. More production could also give him more ice time than they originally thought. He is currently projected to play the wing on the third line. But if he produces consistently, he will quickly get an upgrade to the top six.
During the preseason, we need to see Hagens be a playmaker. He needs to be a guy who sets up his teammates to put the puck in the back of the net. He also needs to show off the elite skating he is known for. If he can be one of the highest point-getters, it will be a big confidence boost for him and the organization. Hagens will get the confidence that he can be just as productive in the NHL as he was in college. The Bruins will know he can handle the NHL and be comfortable moving him up.
While Hagens is stuck in the bottom-six right now, a strong preseason could quickly change that. If he can play like he did at Boston College, he could be a top-six forward before we know it.
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