Bruins Secure James Hagens with Entry-Level Contract
The Boston Bruins have secured promising center prospect James Hagens with a three-year, entry-level contract. This deal was finalized on Wednesday and comes after Hagens decided to turn professional following his sophomore season at Boston College. With Hagens signed, the Bruins can now consider him as a playoff option for the current season.
Contract Details
The entry-level contract includes the following financial breakdown:
- 2025-26: NHL Salary: $877.5K, Signing Bonus: $97.5K, Potential Performance Bonuses: $12.5K, Minors Salary: $85K
- 2026-27: NHL Salary: $877.5K, Signing Bonus: $97.5K, Potential Performance Bonuses: $1MM, Minors Salary: $85K
- 2027-28: NHL Salary: $877.5K, Signing Bonus: $97.5K, Potential Performance Bonuses: $1MM, Minors Salary: $85K
Hagens’ Path to the NHL
Hagens was the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Initially, the Bruins preferred not to place him directly on the NHL roster. They opted to sign him to an amateur tryout, allowing him to gain experience with AHL Providence.
During his initial six professional games, Hagens recorded four points, including one goal and three assists. His performance with Providence has alleviated initial concerns regarding his fit as a professional player.
College Career Highlights
Last month, Hagens concluded his tenure at Boston College. He ended the season as the top scorer in Hockey East, posting a remarkable 23 goals and 24 assists in 37 games. He also led the conference with six game-winning goals and a total of 133 shots on goal.
Although he did not secure a spot as a top-three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, he was recognized as one of the top ten candidates. Hagens played a significant role for the USA team during the 2025 World Juniors, contributing five goals and a total of nine points across seven games.
Bruins’ Playoff Outlook
As the season progresses, the Bruins have secured a strong position for the playoffs, holding the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. While they haven’t mathematically clinched a spot yet, statistical models indicate only a 20% chance of dropping to the second wild-card slot.
Despite their current struggles, with a record of 0-2-2 in their last four games, the Bruins are hoping Hagens can provide the necessary spark in the middle six of their lineup for the upcoming playoff games.
