James Hagens’ selection by the Boston Bruins is more than just a headline — it’s a major win for a franchise in the thick of a reset.
Boston needed top-line talent in their prospect pool, and Hagens immediately fills that gap. The 5-foot-11 center posted a point-per-game freshman season at Boston College, flashing dynamic skating and high-end playmaking.
“He’s an electric skater, puck handler and passer,” wrote Corey Pronman of The Athletic, who added that Hagens “becomes the clear top young talent in their organization” even with questions about his size and tendency to stay on the perimeter. Pronman graded the pick an A-minus.
Despite a dip in draft stock from his early consensus No. 1 status, Hagens still stood out for his offensive ceiling.
“Hagens has incredible skill and will likely end up as one of the better centers of this draft due to his creative and explosive play,” wrote Mary Clarke of For The Win, who called the selection “a steal for Boston, that’s for sure.” Clarke awarded the pick an A.
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The Bruins’ choice also earned high marks from analysts evaluating both floor and ceiling.“His passing skills were, as such, on full display,” wrote Hannah Stuart of Bleacher Report. “He knows how to set up a play so that it finds his teammates where they need to be rather than where they are.”
Stuart gave the pick an A-plus and emphasized that while Hagens hasn’t fully hit his top gear yet, his elite vision and offensive instincts make him a major asset for a franchise in the midst of a retool.
Hagens brings speed, creativity and long-term upside — and now gets to keep building that next chapter in the city where his college career began.
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