Bruins Sign Prospect James Hagens to 3-Year ELC

The Boston Bruins have signed highly touted prospect James Hagens to a three-year entry-level contract, bringing the 19-year-old forward to the NHL roster with three regular-season games remaining and the playoffs on the horizon.

Hagens, selected seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, inked the deal on Wednesday with an annual cap hit of $975,000. The agreement activates immediately for the 2025-26 season, positioning him for a potential debut as the Bruins host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday at TD Garden. However, coach Marco Sturm indicated Friday that Hagens will not play in that matchup, emphasizing the need for adjustment. "It's his first time up here," Sturm said. "This is about hockey. We could see it even in practice, he just needs time to also get used to our system. We're not going to throw that kid in and fail."

Prior to the signing, Hagens joined the Bruins' AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, on an amateur tryout agreement after completing his sophomore season at Boston College. In six games with Providence, he recorded one goal and three assists, displaying speed, playmaking and comfort against professional competition. At Boston College, Hagens led Hockey...