We are under two months from the start of the NHL season. It is the time of year when we start to preview upcoming position battles and what the roster will look like. One of the biggest names to watch is James Hagens. The 7th overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft had a cup of coffee in the NHL last season and should be in the Bruins' middle six this season. The expectations for Hagens are all over the board, but he does have a shot at taking home the Calder Trophy this season. But what would need to happen for him to win it?
How James Hagens can win the Calder Trophy
Hagens is coming off a solid career at Boston College. In 34 games last season, he racked up 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points. He led the team in all three statistical categories. This success continued into his first few games as a pro. In the six games he played for the Providence Bruins, he had a goal and three assists. Then, when he reached the NHL, he notched a goal in his NHL debut against the Blue Jackets.
It is clear that Hagens' skills can translate to the NHL. The speed and physicality are not too much for him, and he should have no problem being a regular producer at the next level. Throughout his time, he has been praised as a facilitator. He is a pass-first player and is good at finding his teammate in the perfect spot to shoot. Putting him on a line with a couple of shoot-first players will generate a ton of offense. We will see Hagen's assist and point numbers go through the roof.
But in order for him to win the Calder, putting up good stats is not enough. Sure, that's what gets you in the running, but it's not enough to win you the award. You need some sort of storyline or team success in order to separate you from the pack. The storyline for Hagens is to get the Bruins back to the playoffs. Sure, they made it last year, but it was not expected. If Hagens can be a key contributor and look like the face of the next dominant Bruins team, that's his storyline.
His main competition for the award is Gavin McKenna. He is the favorite, as the 1st overall pick of this past draft class and looking like a future superstar. But he's entering a tough situation with the Leafs. They are trying to make it back to the playoffs after a rough 2025-26 season. That is a lot of pressure to put on a young player, especially in a market like Toronto. It could get to him and cause him not to have the season we expect. Thus opening the door for Hagens to steal the Calder.
Although it may seem like a long shot, Hagens has a decent shot at the Calder this season. If he can put in a good season and help the Bruins make it back to the playoffs, he will have a very strong case.
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