Boston Bruins top prospect James Hagens has confirmed his decision to return to Boston College for his sophomore season, a move that could significantly impact the college hockey landscape. During a brief interview with Scott McLaughlin from Boston’s WEEI 93.7, Hagens expressed that he is not rushing his development, stating that it is a “marathon, not a sprint.” He announced this decision while engaging with fans at the Bruins’ 14th annual back-to-school celebration, alongside current Bruins players Mason Lohrei and John Beecher.
Hagens’ return is expected to resonate throughout the college hockey scene. Last season, he emerged as one of the top freshmen, finishing with an impressive tally of 37 points in 37 games. His performance earned him a unanimous selection to the Hockey East All-Rookie team, a distinction he shared with teammate Teddy Stiga and Cole Hutson from Boston University. Hagens showcased his scoring ability while playing on a line with Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard, both of whom had previously been centered by Will Smith, a prospect for the San Jose Sharks.
While Hagens’ point totals were slightly lower than those of the Eagles’ top line, the overall scoring in the league was down. The top unit contributed to 36 percent of Boston College’s goals, a marginal increase from the 34 percent achieved by Smith, Leonard, and Perreault in the previous season. Despite questions regarding his scoring potential compared to other top draft-eligible talents, Hagens displayed remarkable on-ice results, demonstrating an innate ability to predict plays and position himself effectively.
Hagens’ physical presence on the ice has grown, showing an ability to influence the game even when not directly involved in the play. His development has positioned him as a promising prospect for the Bruins, with scouts previously ranking him as a potential first overall pick in the 2025 draft. This recognition stems from his exceptional performance with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) over the past two seasons, where he served as the top-line center and playmaker alongside notable goal-scorer Cole Eiserman. Hagens ranks as the fifth-highest scorer in NTDP history, accumulating 187 points in 118 games.
His accolades include setting scoring records at both the World U17 Hockey Challenge in 2023 and the World U18 Championship in 2024, achieving 21 points in seven games and 22 points in seven games, respectively.
Next season, Hagens will join a newly revamped Boston College lineup, as both Leonard and Perreault have signed NHL entry-level contracts. Vacancies will open on the Eagles’ top line, one of which will likely be filled by Stiga, who has a strong history of chemistry with Hagens. The competition for the other position will be fierce, potentially involving transfer forward Ryan Conmy or fellow Bruins draft pick William Moore.
As Hagens and Moore join a group of six Bruins prospects on the Eagles’ roster, local fans can anticipate an exciting season at Conte Forum when the puck drops. The prospect of seeing Hagens continue his development in college hockey adds to the excitement surrounding the Bruins’ future.
