Boston Bruins top pick James Hagens reflects on his whirlwind journey from college to the pros and the surreal experience of training alongside NHL legends.

  • James Hagens is set to begin his first full NHL campaign following the Bruins' training camp on Sept. 16.
  • Hagens expressed awe at encountering legends like Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron daily at Warrior Ice Arena.
  • The 2025 No. 7 overall pick is versatile, ready to play both center and wing.

For James Hagens, the reality of professional hockey still feels somewhat surreal. While navigating the halls of the Warrior Ice Arena, the young phenom finds himself constantly in the presence of greatness. It isn't uncommon for him to bump into Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara or the legendary Patrice Bergeron during a routine day at the facility.

"Those are guys that you grow up idolizing and to be able to see them casually and be able to talk to them, it’s something that... It’s just crazy," Hagens remarked after a recent training session. The upcoming season marks a massive milestone for Hagens, who is preparing for his first full NHL campaign as the Boston Bruins' 2025 first-round pick (No. 7).

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the integration of high-ceiling prospects like Hagens into a culture steeped in veteran leadership is a critical factor for the Bruins' long-term success. By absorbing the professional habits of icons like Bergeron and Chara, Hagens is positioned to bypass much of the typical rookie learning curve.

"It’s not really something you can put into words when you’re in a room with all these guys that are role models to you." — James Hagens

Hagens' path to the NHL has been a rapid-fire tour of elite hockey. Following a standout sophomore season at Boston College, his itinerary included the World Juniors in St. Paul, a professional debut in Providence, an NHL launch in Boston, and a stint in Switzerland for the World Championships. This relentless schedule has provided him with a diverse tactical education.

Despite the whirlwind, Hagens remains grounded by his support system. He credited his parents and siblings, Michael and Emma, for his stability. Interestingly, the hockey legacy continues in his family, with both siblings slated to play college hockey at Vermont.

As training camp approaches on September 16, the tactical question remains: where will Hagens fit? While he is a natural center, he has demonstrated proficiency at left wing. Hagens has stated he is prepared for any assignment, emphasizing the need to win faceoffs if deployed at center or fulfill specific defensive duties as a winger.

Did You Know?: Hagens made his official NHL debut in April, appearing in two regular-season games for the Bruins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When does the Bruins training camp begin?
Answer: The training camp is scheduled to kick off on September 16.

Question 2: What jersey number will James Hagens wear?
Answer: Hagens aims to don the Bruins' No. 44 jersey this season.