The way teams develop prospects is crucial when it comes to how the player pans out in professional hockey.
When it comes to the Bruins’ top prospect, James Hagens, Boston wants to take its time with him.
The front office spoke to Hagens after the 2025 development camp and allowed for the decision to be up to the 18-year-old. They warned him that if he wanted to make the quick jump to professional hockey, he would have to fight for a spot on the NHL roster.
After the conversation, Hagens decided it would be better to go into his sophomore season with Boston College.
“It was a great talk, a great conversation. It was up to me. And (they said), ‘if you come here, you have to make the team.’ That’s how it is. Nothing’s given to you. Everything’s earned,” Hagens told Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy. “It’s just taking it day-by-day, knowing what point you’re at. You never want to rush it, so it came down to sitting down and talking to my family, and talking to them and figuring out what the path was for me. But it’s just pure excitement to be around this, to be a part of it.”
General manager Don Sweeney said after the Bruins drafted Hagens that there was no need to rush him in his development.
The extra year gives the 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward more time to add strength and improve his skill set even more. At the end of the Eagles’ season this year and through the draft, he gained 10 pounds to help with puck battles.
“I mean, I still want to be a Bruin really bad,” Hagens said. “But it’s just the time frame of it. I think there’s no rush. Going back to school, it’s a great opportunity, and I’m really grateful that I have that option. It’s just making sure that you’re taking the opportunity in hand and you’re able to do a lot with it.”
