James Hagens: Bruins Prospect Practices with Providence, Set to Debut in AHL | NHL News

James Hagens, the Boston Bruins’ first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, began his professional hockey career Tuesday with a practice session for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League, following the signing of an amateur tryout agreement.

The 19-year-old forward, selected seventh overall by Boston in the 2025 draft, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “It was fun. It was really exciting being out there for my first pro practice. It’s definitely something I’ll never forget,” Hagens said, according to the Bruins’ official website. “It’s been really exciting, just waiting to see what the next chapter looks like and now being able to be here, I couldn’t be more excited.”

Hagens’ arrival in Providence comes after the conclusion of his sophomore season at Boston College, where he led Hockey East in scoring with 47 points – comprised of 23 goals and 24 assists – in 34 games. He is expected to be in the lineup when Providence hosts Springfield on Wednesday, marking his first game action as a professional.

The Bruins are utilizing an amateur tryout agreement, rather than immediately signing Hagens to an entry-level contract, to allow him to acclimate to the professional game without impacting his contract clock, according to reports. Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney explained the rationale behind the move. “He gets acclimated to the pro game, it’s a big step coming from college and it just allows him to jump right into the lineup,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney indicated that the team will evaluate Hagens’ performance in the AHL and determine the appropriate timing for a potential call-up to the NHL. “There’s just continued evaluation, let him get comfortable and make necessary steps, and as I said, (coach) Marco (Sturm) determines if a player can help us (and) then he’ll be part of our club,” Sweeney stated. “This will be just a process that allows him to get comfortable, and if it presents that he can help our lineup, then that’s the decision we’ll make.”

Hagens’ transition to professional hockey follows a similar path taken by Charlie McAvoy, who also began his Bruins career with an amateur tryout in Providence in 2017 before quickly joining the NHL roster during the playoffs due to injuries.

Prior to joining the Bruins organization, Hagens excelled in the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) for two seasons (2022-24), accumulating 187 points (72 goals, 115 assists). He has also represented the U.S. Internationally, winning gold medals at the 2023 U-18 World Championship and the 2025 World Junior Championship. At the 2024 U-18 tournament, Hagens set a single-tournament scoring record with 22 points, earning tournament MVP honors.

Sweeney noted Hagens’ versatility, highlighting his ability to play both center and wing. “His production is still really good,” Sweeney said. “He’s played a lot more on the wing, which could be an easier entry point for a young player in the National Hockey League. That, again, remains to be seen. We drafted him as a center, he can play center, but now he’s playing both sides. So, I consider that adds to the versatility.”

Hagens has already received encouragement from current Bruins players, including defenseman Charlie McAvoy, a fellow Long Island native. “He sent a really nice text. him being a Long Island guy (Long Beach, New York) is something that was really cool,” Hagens said.