The Boston Bruins may have found a future cornerstone for their franchise by selecting James Hagens with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The draft took place on Friday night, and the Bruins didn't hesitate to pick Hagens, a highly-rated center from Boston College. The pick was announced by actor and comedian Adam Sandler dressed as his character Happy Gilmore.

Hagens, who had been projected as a potential top pick, was thrilled to be selected by the Bruins. He expressed his excitement about staying close to home and playing in Boston, where he had already spent a season with Boston College. "It's the coolest thing in the world," Hagens said. "It's close to home. It's nice for my parents. I wanted to go to school in Boston. Turns out I'm a Boston Bruin now. It all worked out".

Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney also expressed his satisfaction with the pick, stating, "We're very happy that James was there". Hagens is expected to fill a significant need for the Bruins at the center position.

Hagens, 18, played 37 games for Boston College in the 2024-25 season, where he tallied 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points, with a plus-21 rating. He ranked third among Boston College skaters and fourth among NCAA freshmen in points, earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. Before joining Boston College, Hagens played for the U.S. National U18 Team, where he scored 39 goals and 63 assists for 102 points in 58 games. He also helped the United States win gold at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, tying for the team lead with five goals in seven games.

Elite Prospects lauded Hagens in their 2025 NHL Draft guide, noting his fluid skating, wide wingspan, high activity rate, and exceptional processing speed. They highlighted his ability to create advantages, deliver tricky passes, and improvise on the fly.

Hagens' selection marks the highest draft pick for the Bruins since they took Tyler Seguin at No. 2 overall in 2010. It is also the first time the team has drafted in the Top 10 since selecting Dougie Hamilton ninth overall in 2011. Hagens is scheduled to attend the Bruins' development camp, which starts Monday. He will join Dean Letourneau, Boston's 2024 first-round pick, as a fellow Boston College alumnus.