A motivated Hagens, stung by draft fall, aims to shine with Boston Bruins

James Hagens has turned the disappointment of falling in the draft into clear motivation as he aims to earn a place on the Boston Bruins roster. The 19-year-old forward has shown during camp that the slide has not defeated him — it has pushed him to improve in a noticeable way.

As NHL.com reports, Hagens had been mentioned among the contenders for the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, but ended up selected seventh by the Bruins after a freshman college season that fell short of high expectations. His slide in the draft and his reaction to it have driven him to work on the physical and tactical aspects, focusing on being as professional as possible on and off the ice.

At the prospects showcase in Buffalo he scored six goals in two games, including four in one game, giving him a strong start to training camp; his performance in camp and in friendlies helped him earn a spot in the projected opening-night lineup for his anticipated first season with the Bruins.

Coach Marco Sturm noted the change in Hagens’ composure and confidence: the same player who once looked younger now shows more assurance on the ice, knows the system and his teammates. Reviews from those close to him also point to the player’s competitive streak and his ability to carry the puck with his head up, creating and exploiting space.

His journey also includes earlier challenges, such as difficult experiences at national team selections that made him reflect and improve. In 2024 Hagens set a scoring record at the U18 World Championship with 22 points, breaking a 13-year-old record, and training with names like David Pastrnak has given him the chance to learn directly from the team’s veterans.

According to NHL.com, the draft fall may have lit the fire that will guide Hagens toward a significant career in Boston, making him a name to watch in the season just getting underway.