The Boston Bruins announced Wednesday that they have signed top prospect James Hagen to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The news comes about two weeks after Hagens signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to begin his professional career.
The contract will begin this season and carry a salary cap hit of $975,000 at the NHL level.
Hagens is here.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 8, 2026
The #NHLBruins have signed James Hagens to a three-year, entry-level contract.
📰: https://t.co/XLDGCytrSB pic.twitter.com/n1ap2IxfQh
In six games with Providence, the Long Island native recorded four points (1G, 3A) and a -1 rating. Hagens played out his sophomore season with Boston College, where he put up 47 points in 34 games. Hagens was also a key member of Team USA’s squad at the IIHF U20 World Junior Championships, where he compiled seven points in five contests.
Hagens is expected to make his NHL debut at TD Garden this Saturday, April 11, in a matinee clash against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bruins (43-26-10) are currently mired in a four-game losing streak and sit in the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
"He has all the makings of a No. 1 center... Scouts love him for the way he skates and distributes the puck," noted Daily Faceoff analyst Steven Ellis.