Bruins Select James Hagens With Seventh Pick In NHL Draft

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins needed a franchise changing center in the 2025 NHL Draft, and he fell directly into their laps.

With the seventh overall pick on Friday night, the Bruins selected James Hagens out of Boston College, who was at one point believed to be the top prospect in this year’s draft class.

“I’m so lucky that I ended up being a Boston Bruin,” Hagens said. “It’s the best spot in the world. It’s a dream come true for me, and I know for my whole entire family. I’m just so excited right now. I’m really excited to be able to say that I’m a Boston Bruin.” 

Stickin' around town.

Welcome to the B's, James!#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/xQD26wRYlQ

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 28, 2025

A highly skilled pivot who’s swift on his skates and adept at moving the puck, Hagens is exactly the kind of player the Bruins have needed in their system for a long time.

“We were in it to make sure we took what we thought was the most impactful player,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. “Being in the top of the draft for the first time in a long time, we felt we were going to get an opportunity to do that.

“Everybody’s looking for the absolute best player you can draft, and is generally, pretty happy. We’re very happy James was there, and we’re happy he’s a Boston Bruin.”

The 18-year-old is coming off his freshman season at BC during which he appeared in 37 games for the Eagles, recording 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points, with a plus-21 rating. Those numbers underwhelmed compared to what many hoped and expected Hagens to produce, ultimately leading to his draft stock taking a significant hit.

It was a mystery entering draft night as to when Hagens would hear his name called. Several teams passed on the opportunity to take him. The New York Islanders–who selected defenseman Matthew Schaeffer with the first overall pick– were widely believed to be interested in Hagens and willing to trade back up into the top 10 in order to get the Hauppauge, NY, native.  The Bruins felt they couldn’t miss the chance to have him for themselves.

“We had conversations about moving up, and more so about more about moving back, just in case there was a player that we felt we may be able to take advantage of a similar player in a similar situation, and have more draft capital,” Sweeney said. “We had some opportunities, but we just felt that when James was there, that we had to make the selection, and wanted to make the selection.”

Hagens and the rest of the world ultimately found out he’d be a member of the Bruins from none other than Adam Sandler. The actor and comedian was as dressed as his beloved character, Happy Gilmore, as he announced the selection.

Oh, Happy day.

Who we picking, Mr. Gilmore?#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/2K62fWGruA

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 28, 2025

“I saw him pop up, and I remember looking at my mom, and I just had the biggest smile on my face because I love Happy Gilmore,” said Hagens. “It’s my favorite movie, so right away it was the coolest thing. Then, as he started talking, you hope to hear that he’s going to say Boston College, and he ended up saying Boston College. I waited an extra second to hear my name, and stood up from there. I remember walking down the aisle, and seeing ride his golf club. That was pretty funny.”

This is the second-straight year the Bruins have used their first-round draft pick on a Boston College product, after selecting Dean Letourneau 24th overall in 2024 and now five prospects currently on the BC roster.

While a final decision hasn’t been made yet, it seems fairly certain that Hagens will to return to the Eagles next season and take on an even larger role than before. As much as he’d like to reach the NHL as soon as possible, the Bruins aren’t going to rush him.

“I’m sure every guy that was drafted tonight thinks they might be able to play in the National Hockey League,” Sweeney said. “We’ll allow that to take a more natural course and make the right decision for James and the organization.”

The 2025 NHL Draft will continue on Saturday during with rounds two through seven, where the Bruins will have a total of six picks.

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