The Boston Bruins are transitioning into a new era, with opportunities for a new generation of players to step up. While the team remains competitive in the Eastern Conference, they are looking for new talent to lead the way. Two prospects who deserve attention and are poised to make an impact in the coming years are James Hagens and Fraser Minten.
James Hagens was selected seventh overall by the Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft. There was surprise that Hagens was still available when the Bruins were on the clock, as he was projected to be picked earlier. Hagens, an 18-year-old center, demonstrated his offensive capabilities during his freshman year at Boston College, recording 11 goals, 26 assists, 37 points, and a plus-21 rating in 37 games. General Manager Don Sweeney expressed excitement about Hagens' skillset, competitiveness, and ability to excel on big stages. Hagens' offensive upside addresses a key need for the Bruins, who averaged 2.70 goals per game last season.
Hagens has announced that he will be returning to Boston College for his sophomore season. Hagens stated he is not rushing to the next step in his development, acknowledging that development is a "marathon, not a sprint". Hagens will join fellow Bruins draft pick William Moore, and they will be two of six Bruins prospects on the Eagles squad next year.
Prior to his college career, Hagens was considered a top prospect for the 2025 draft, showcasing his skills with the U.S. NTDP. He played alongside Cole Eiserman, becoming the fifth-highest-scoring player in NTDP history with 187 points in 118 games. He also set scoring records at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in 2023 and the World U18 Championship in 2024.
Fraser Minten was acquired by the Bruins from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a trade at the deadline in February. The 21-year-old has played six games for the Bruins and 11 games for Providence, totaling eight points while wearing a Bruins uniform. Minten plays a complete, 200-foot game, which is remarkable for a player of his age. His size, strength, and steadiness at both ends of the ice give him an opportunity to compete for a middle-six center role. Minten's ability to play a complete game is a valuable asset, especially for a young player on a rookie contract.
