Boston Bruins general manager Chay Lapierre confirmed the signing of James Hagens, the 19-year-old forward and reigning Beanpot MVP, to a three-year, $2.925 million contract with a $975,000 annual cap hit. Hagens, the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, dominated Hockey East as a sophomore, tallying 23 goals and 47 points while leading Boston College to a Beanpot victory. His six game-winning goals and two hat tricks this season underscored his clutch performance, including a pivotal two-goal, three-assist performance in BC’s first Beanpot win in a decade. Hagens joins the Bruins’ Providence Bruins of the AHL, where he contributed one goal and three assists in six games.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound winger also earned a gold medal at the 2025 World Junior Championship and set a single-tournament scoring record (22 points) at the 2024 U18 Worlds. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery praised Hagens’ “elite two-way play,” noting his potential to impact both offense and defense in Boston’s playoff push. With the Bruins currently leading the Eastern Conference wild-card race, Hagens’ immediate eligibility for Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning could solidify their postseason prospects. His physicality and goal-scoring pedigree may address gaps left by recent departures, though his development trajectory remains under scrutiny.

The move signals Boston’s urgency to bolster its roster ahead of a competitive playoff race.