After a challenging 2024-25 season, the Boston <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/28/nhl-draft-2025-grades-for-every-first-round-pick-islanders-get-high-marks-for-schaefer-the-athletic/” title=”Expert 2025 NHL Draft Grades: Islanders Lead First Round”>bruins held a significant opportunity in the 2025 NHL Draft. With the seventh overall selection, their highest pick in 14 years, Boston aimed to inject top-tier talent into their prospect pool. They found their target in James hagens, a dynamic center from nearby Boston College. The first round unfolded with excitement and surprise in Los Angeles, culminating in the Bruins securing a player previously projected by many as the draft’s potential top prospect.
The Bruins entered the draft holding seven total picks. Their most impactful selection came early, adding a skilled pivot the organization highly coveted.
James Hagens: Bruins’ Top Prospect Profile
James Hagens arrives in the Bruins organization with an impressive pedigree. The 18-year-old left-shot center stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds. Hailing from Hauppauge, New York, Hagens just wrapped up his freshman season at Boston College. There, he ranked third on the team in scoring, notching 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points in 37 games. He also boasted a strong plus-21 rating. His point total placed him fourth among NCAA freshmen, earning him a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. He played alongside several other Bruins draft picks during his time at BC. Hagens is now the third Bruins first-round selection from either Boston College or Boston University, joining a lineage that includes Charlie McAvoy (2016) and Craig Janney (1986).
From Projected First Overall to Seventh
Hagens’ path to the Bruins saw some fluctuation in his draft stock. He began the 2024-25 season as the consensus No. 1 overall prospect according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s preseason rankings. This high ranking stemmed from his remarkable performance with the US National Development Program in the previous season (2023-24). There, he amassed an astounding 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) in just 58 games. This point total surpassed the U18 seasons of notable USNTDP alumni like Ryan Leonard, Phil Kessel, and Matthew Tkachuk. Only a select few U18 players in program history matched or exceeded Hagens’s 102 points, including Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Jack Hughes. Hagens also set a scoring record at the 2024 World U18 Championships, tallying an incredible 22 points in just seven games. Scouts consistently praised his dynamic playmaking ability, often calling him having the “best hands” in the draft class. They noted his exceptional vision for setting up teammates while also knowing when to capitalize on scoring opportunities himself.
Despite this impressive resume, Hagens’s stock experienced a slight dip in the months leading up to the draft. Final mock drafts from experts like McKenzie and Craig Button saw him projected around the No. 7 or No. 8 spot. Speculated reasons for this drop included his relatively smaller physical frame compared to some other top prospects. While his point-per-game production at BC was strong, his raw numbers (37 points) were lower than recent elite NCAA freshmen like Jack Eichel or Macklin Celebrini. However, some evaluators believe his point totals might have been higher if he had played in Canadian juniors against younger competition. Regardless of the slight slide, Hagens is universally regarded as high-end talent and is seen as tremendous value at No. 7. He expressed determination to prove the teams that passed on him wrong, stating his excitement about becoming a Bruin.
Draft Night Highlights: The Pick and the Moment
The moment the Bruins selected James Hagens was unforgettable, partly thanks to a celebrity appearance. Hagens’ favorite movie is “Happy Gilmore.” Fittingly, actor Adam Sandler, appearing as his iconic character Happy Gilmore on a video board, announced the Bruins’ selection at No. 7. This unique announcement made the moment even more special for the BC standout. Hagens described it as “the coolest moment I’ve ever had” and something he will remember for the rest of his life.
Hagens himself was ecstatic about landing in Boston. He called being drafted by the Bruins “the coolest thing in the world.” He particularly appreciated that it keeps him close to his family and allows him to remain in the Boston area, where he already attends college. “It’s nice for my parents,” Hagens remarked on the draft floor. “I wanted to go to school in Boston and turns out I’m a Boston Bruin now — so it all worked out.” He felt it was a moment to truly soak in with his family, who had a significant presence at the draft, nearly getting ejected from the hotel lobby for their noisy celebrations when his name was called.
What the Bruins Are Getting
Hagens described himself as a player who “loves to compete.” He stated he is someone who puts his “blood and heart and soul on the line.” Having attended several Bruins games this season, he saw firsthand the pride Bruins fans take in their team. This resonated with him, reinforcing his desire to compete hard for the organization.
Hagens’ Future and Bruins’ Development Approach
The immediate future for James Hagens involves significant discussions with the Bruins organization. While his goal is to reach the NHL as soon as possible, it is widely expected that Hagens will return to Boston College for at least one more season. This would allow him to continue developing his physical size and strength against high-level college competition. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney stated that selecting a No. 1 center was a priority. They chose Hagens because they believe he has the offensive capabilities and commitment to develop his all-around “200-foot game.” Sweeney acknowledged there was an opportunity to trade down for more draft capital, but Hagens’ availability at No. 7 compelled them to make the pick. This aligns with the Bruins’ typical approach of not rushing prospects, prioritizing long-term development.
Ryan Nadeau, the Bruins’ director of amateur scouting, echoed this philosophy ahead of the draft. He noted it’s “remote” for draft picks, particularly college players, to make the NHL roster immediately out of training camp. The team focuses on a player’s potential impact over 3, 5, 7, or 10 years, recognizing the significant jump required to play in the NHL. Hagens is scheduled to join the Bruins’ development camp starting Monday morning in Brighton, providing the team with their first look at him in an organizational setting.
Bruins’ Remaining Draft Capital
Beyond the first round, the Bruins still hold six selections in the 2025 NHL Draft. Their remaining picks include two in the second round: pick 51 (acquired from St. Louis via Edmonton, stemming from the Trent Frederic trade) and pick 61 (acquired from Carolina via Colorado, from the Charlie Coyle trade). They also hold pick 69 in the third round, pick 100 in the fourth round (acquired from Philadelphia via Toronto from the Brandon Carlo trade), pick 133 in the fifth round, and pick 165 in the sixth round. These additional picks provide the team with opportunities to add further depth to their prospect pipeline on the draft’s second day.
Around the First Round: Key Moments and Selections
The 2025 NHL Draft’s first round delivered several notable moments beyond the Bruins’ pick. The New York Islanders, who won the draft lottery despite having a low chance, selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall. Schaefer became the first defenseman taken first since 2021 and was visibly emotional on stage, dedicating the moment to his late mother, who passed away from cancer. His resilience and character were highlighted by the Islanders’ general manager.
The San Jose Sharks followed by selecting center Michael Misa at No. 2. Misa had a highly productive season in the OHL and was praised for his competitiveness. The Chicago Blackhawks took Swedish forward Anton Frondell third overall, a player noted for his two-way game. The Utah team, making its debut selection at No. 4 (after moving up 10 spots), chose center Caleb Desnoyers, who drew comparisons to Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron for his two-way play. Nashville selected OHL center Brady Martin at No. 5, while Philadelphia added power forward Porter Martone at No. 6.
Emotional tributes were also part of the night. Meredith Gaudreau, widow of former NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, announced the Columbus Blue Jackets’ two first-round picks. Her appearance drew a standing ovation and heartfelt chants of “Johnny!” from the crowd, recognizing the impact of her late husband. The Blue Jackets selected defenseman Jackson Smith at No. 14 and goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov at No. 20, making Andreyanov the first goalie taken in the draft. The Sharks also selected a goaltender, Joshua Ravensbergen, at No. 30, marking the first time two goalies went in the first round since 2021.
Several trades occurred throughout the round, including the Kings and Penguins swapping picks, and the Senators and Predators making a deal. These maneuvers allowed teams like Pittsburgh to accumulate multiple first-round selections. The first round concluded with Calgary selecting Cullen Potter at No. 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did James Hagens, once projected #1, fall to #7?
James Hagens was widely considered the top prospect early in the 2024-25 season due to his exceptional performance with the USNTDP, including a record-breaking U18 World Championship showing. His draft stock reportedly slipped slightly throughout the season, settling around No. 7 or 8 in final rankings. Speculated reasons include his smaller physical frame compared to some other top players and potentially his raw point totals at Boston College (37 points in 37 games), which were lower than some recent elite NCAA freshmen, though his point-per-game production was strong. Playing against older competition in college might have slightly tempered his numbers compared to Canadian junior leagues. Despite the slip, he is still seen as high-end talent and great value at No. 7.
Who announced the Bruins’ pick of James Hagens at the draft?
The Boston Bruins’ seventh overall selection of James Hagens was announced by actor Adam Sandler. Sandler appeared on a video board wearing a Bruins jersey, making the announcement in character as Happy Gilmore, the protagonist of the movie “Happy Gilmore.” This was a significant moment for Hagens, as he has stated that “Happy Gilmore” is his favorite movie. Hagens called the announcement by Sandler “the coolest moment I’ve ever had.”
Will James Hagens play for the Bruins next season, or return to Boston College?
While Hagens’ goal is to reach the NHL as soon as possible, the most likely path for his immediate future is a return to Boston College for his sophomore season. The Bruins typically prioritize prospect development and prefer players, especially college athletes, to gain additional size, strength, and experience before making the jump to professional hockey. Bruins management will discuss his next steps in the coming days. Hagens is expected to attend the Bruins’ development camp starting Monday morning.
Looking Ahead for Hagens and the Bruins
The selection of James Hagens at No. 7 provides the Bruins with a much-needed potential high-end center prospect. While he isn’t expected to immediately jump to the NHL, his development path at Boston College keeps him local for fans and team staff. The Bruins will continue to build their prospect pool on the second day of the draft with their six remaining picks. Following the draft, the team’s focus will shift to the opening of NHL free agency, where they will look to add players who can contribute to the varsity lineup for the 2025-26 season. Hagens’ journey with the Bruins organization officially begins with development camp, marking an exciting new chapter for both the player and the franchise.
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