Bruins waiting on top prospect Hagens — The Fourth Period

The Boston Bruins weren’t able to land a top-six forward ahead of the trade deadline earlier this month, but part of that decision may be due to the team’s belief that last summer’s seventh-overall pick James Hagens will be joining the club after his college season wraps.

Hagens, 19, has been named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award. He was a first team All-Star this season at Boston College and Hockey East’s scouring champion with 45 points in 33 games.

As Hagens battles for a championship this BC, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported that there is an expectation that he will join the Bruins after his college season comes to a close.

Pagnotta, joined alongside Irfaan Gaffar on the “DFO Rundown Insider Edition” every Wednesday, noted yesterday that while “no decision hade been made” the belief is that Hagens is poised to join the Bruins.

“So, there is an offer on the table (from the Bruins). He’s got his ELC (entry-level contract) offer presented. But his focus right now is basically trying to win another championship, another trophy at TD Garden. That’s the focus,” Pagnotta said. “So that’s where his head is at right now, that’s purely where it is. He’s going to make a decision shortly after his season wraps, however that unfolds. But the offer’s there and it’s basically in his hands what he wants to do.

“There is belief within the Bruins organization that he will join, and that’s kind of the expectation across the board. But no decision has been made because, again, his focus is purely on helping his college club take a title down.”

In his two seasons with Boston College, Hagens has registered 34 goals and 48 assists for 82 points in 70 total games.