The Boston Bruins were not expected to make the playoffs this season, but here they are sitting in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. There are plenty of factors that have led to the Bruins reaching this point, but the real grind starts after the Olympic Break, as they aim to lock down that spot in a tight division race. There is a lot to be excited about as the final frame of the season approaches, including James Hagens.
Hagens Is Coming
The Bruins have been starving for high-end talent in their top six. Ever since the departure of Jake DeBrusk in 2024, filling the right wing spot has been difficult for the Bruins. Morgan Geekie has been a blessing over the last calendar year, but the Bruins should be ready to welcome another highly skilled player.
The seventh-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is itching to make the jump to the NHL. While he was contemplating whether to turn pro or return to Boston College, going back to college was the right decision for Hagens’ development, and he could bring the right tools with him for a playoff push.
Hagens Is the Perfect Deadline Acquisition
We don’t know what general manager Don Sweeney will do at the trade deadline. Will he go big for a player who can help the team this season and beyond, or will he move out minor assets for futures? His best option would be adding Hagens to the lineup.
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Hagens will bolster the team’s depth, and he could be the next young gun to provide a boost to the lineup. Hagens is having a monstrous season, with 17 goals and 34 points in 27 games. He shattered his goal totals from a season ago (11) and is close to surpassing his point totals (37). He has also been one of the most productive players in the NCAA, ranked ninth in points per game. He helped Boston College win the Beanpot.
Hagens is a smooth skater with great vision, tremendous stick-handling skills, and a precise playmaker. Getting that special blend of scoring and playmaking ability would be a boost to the Bruins down the stretch. He’s also versatile. Even though he was pegged as a center when he was drafted, he can also play effectively on the wing. This season, he has been used more as a winger, and he has thrived in that role.
Hagens should be looking at a similar jump to his former teammate Ryan Leonard. Leonard was drafted eighth overall in 2023 and had a monstrous season for Boston College, potting 30 goals and 49 points in his final season before making the jump to the Washington Capitals in 2024-25 after the NCAA season ended.
Hagens Is What the Bruins Need for a Run
The Bruins have seen what youth can do for their lineup, with Fraser Minten and Mason Lohrei helping the team land in a playoff spot this season. Adding Hagens to this group might reduce the need to look for help outside the organization to solidify their berth. The team’s core group has delivered, but adding Hagens would be a great complementary piece to the puzzle. Not to mention, he can play on the power play.
Imagine Geekie, Pavel Zacha, and Hagens on a line together and the success they could have. Hagens could be the solution on the right wing that the team has been looking for. They just need to bring him to Boston when he becomes available.
