Bruins first-round selection James Hagens breaks silence on decision to miss out on NHL rookie season

A product of the Boston College Eagles, James Hagens was all but destined to begin his NHL journey with the Boston Bruins. It was only fitting. However, his rookie season has been put on hold after the 18-year-old announced his return to the NCAA for the upcoming campaign.

After a disheartening 2024-25 NHL season, Hagens’ arrival—or, technically, stay—in Boston was all the Bruins could ask for. Keeping the homegrown talent in town was one of the biggest beacons of hope for the Spoked B in the offseason.

Now, it’s time for the team to overcome last year’s struggles and turn the page. It’s a lot easier said than done, but the Bruins won’t back down from the challenge. Last season was too painful for Boston not to learn its lesson.

Not rushing it

Regardless, Hagens’ return to the school in Chestnut Hill was deflating for fans in Beantown. However, it might be the wise decision. The teenager still has room for improvement, and making the jump to the NHL is no walk in Boston Common. Hagens believes that himself, and he made it evident with his latest statement.

James Hagens walks to the stage after being drafted by the Boston Bruins with the number seven overall pick during the first round of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft at the Peacock Theater on June 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

“It’s just not rushing the process. It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon,” Hagens firmly said, via Bruins reporter Scott McLaughlin. “There’s no reason to rush anything. They are all conversations that you have to have. There’s a different timeline for everyone.”

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Missed assignment

Hagens and the Eagles fell short of expectations last season. There’s no sugarcoating it. Everybody in Chestnut Hill knows Boston College must now right its wrongs, avenging last season’s elimination at the gates of the NCAA Frozen Four.

The Eagles couldn’t hoist their sixth national championship after falling to Northwestern in the quarterfinal stage. This time around, Hagens and company are determined to flip the page and hoist the school’s first natty since 2012.

“[We want to] win. You know, you go back, we didn’t win last year. You want to be able to be in the fight. You want to be able to win an actual championship,” Hagens concluded.

“You know, [for] the people that support the team, the equipment managers, staff, everyone that puts so much time and effort into making us an hockey team. It’s up to us to be able to go out there and perform and be able to win for them.“