The Boston Bruins didn’t just make a first-round selection at the 2025 NHL Draft; they made a statement. In a draft that was filled with uncertainty outside the top few picks, the Bruins walked away with what many fans are calling an “absolute steal” in forward James Hagens.
After watching the 18-year-old shine on the college and international stage, Boston’s front office couldn’t be more confident that they’ve landed a high-impact player for years to come.
James Hagens Picked at No. 7: Bruins Applauded for Nabbing Top U.S. Prospect in 2025 NHL Draft
On Friday night at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the Boston Bruins used the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to select Boston College standout James Hagens.
The decision marked a significant moment in the Bruins’ draft history. It was the highest selection the team has made since 2011, when they took Dougie Hamilton ninth overall. For General Manager Don Sweeney, the move signaled a renewed focus on injecting elite skill and youth into Boston’s lineup.
Absolute steal at 7. Dammit Bruins https://t.co/IMOSnMSL7L
— Mike (@MikeSanchize) June 28, 2025
Hagens is fresh off an impressive freshman campaign with Boston College, tallying 11 goals and 26 assists for a total of 37 points across 37 games. His performance earned him a place on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, where he ranked third among freshmen in points and second in assists during conference play. Hagen’s ability to contribute consistently and play with poise made him a clear standout among college players this past season.
His skill set isn’t confined to college hockey. Hagens played a crucial role for Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he helped the Americans secure back-to-back gold medals. He contributed five goals and four assists in the tournament, including a goal in the gold medal game. With nine points total, he finished tied for third in overall tournament scoring and was second among all U.S. skaters.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 177 pounds, Hagens may not be the most physically dominant player, but he more than makes up for it with his hockey IQ, vision, and playmaking ability. His ability to create offense in tight spaces and read the game at a high level is exactly what the Bruins need as they look to the future of their forward core.
The Hauppauge, New York, native becomes the 27th first-round draft pick in Boston College’s program history, a school second only to Minnesota in NCAA history for producing top-tier NHL talent. Hagens also continues Boston College’s remarkable streak of 30 consecutive years with an NHL Draft selection, further solidifying the school as one of the premier talent pipelines in the country.
Analysts have praised Boston for their decision, noting that Hagens was initially viewed as a potential top-five pick earlier in the year. To land a player of his caliber at seventh overall has drawn wide acclaim, with many labeling the move as one of the biggest wins of the first round.
For the Bruins, the selection of Hagens is more than just a good pick; it’s a step toward building their next great team. With his mix of collegiate success, international experience, and high ceiling, Hagens could soon become a core piece in Boston’s plans.
