James Hagens, Bruins Prepare for Prospects Showcase, ‘Great Opportunity For All of Us’

BOSTON –– James Hagens kept Boston as his home base this summer, and it has him feeling more than ready to go.

Before the Bruins’ training camp opens on Sept. 16, Hagens is participating in Rookie Camp and the Prospects Showcase. The group’s first skate was on Friday at Warrior Ice Arena as they prepare for two games against the Sabres prospects in Buffalo this weekend.

“I am excited to be able to play a game again. You work so hard in the offseason and to be able to be back, be on the ice – it feels great,” Hagens said. “It’s a great opportunity for all of us. We’re out here today; we had a great practice. Roll over into tomorrow and get ready for Sunday.”

​The 19-year-old forward, who was the B’s seventh overall pick in 2025, is leaning on his brief but informative NHL experience from the end of last season.

Hagens signed his three-year, entry-level contract on April 8 after joining the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout agreement at the end of March; he appeared in six AHL games, recording one goal and three assists. Hagens logged two regular-season and three playoff NHL games before the summer arrived.

“It definitely helps…You’ve got to be prepared, and you’ve got to be ready. [Training camp] is going to be tough, and it’s shortened this year, so less time to make an impression,” Hagens said. “I honestly think this is the best I’ve felt off the ice my whole career playing. Being able to stay here over the summer helped me a lot. They know so much. It’s being around the players, being around the staff and trainers – you really have to soak everything in. Everything they tell you, you can use.”

The former Boston College Eagle knows he will have to battle for positioning on the Bruins’ roster come opening night, and he is embracing the challenge.

​“A big thing is the more you play, confidence will come. Just being able to feel trusted out there, though,” Hagens said. “I know that these guys all have my back, and you work towards hopefully all of them knowing you have their back as well. It’s going to be really exciting; these are exciting times. Everybody is back. You just hope you can make the team now.”​

The process for Hagens all starts with Rookie Camp and the Prospects Showcase performances. The Bruins’ first matchup in Buffalo is on Sunday at 5 p.m., followed by a 12 p.m. start on Monday. Both games will be available via live stream on the Bruins + TD Garden App. BostonBruins.com will also feature a shared broadcast with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Ryan Johnston (color commentary for Sunday's game) alongside Sabres’ Play-by-Play Announcer Dan Dunleavy. Johnston will give the play-by-play for Monday's game alongside Sabres’ Color Analyst Rob Ray.

“I am real excited about [Hagens’] potential. He obviously has that high offensive acumen that you love to see in a player…He has the ability to make plays in small areas; now he’s just going to have to get that physicality in his game a little more consistently,” said Trent Whitfield, the head coach of Providence.  “He will come in, play a lot, get his feet under him. An opportunity to really come into camp in good form and feeling good.”