James Hagens is widely considered one of the most talented young hockey players in the world. Hagens was drafted seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2025 NHL Draft. So, who is James Hagens? Below is everything you need to know about the young prospect.
James Hagens: Early Life
James Hagens was born on November 3, 2006, in Hauppauge, New York. His paretns are Michael Hagens and Kristine Hagens. Both of whom work as primary school teachers. He has two siblings. His brother, Michael (born in 2005), plays hockey for Boston College, while his sister, Emma (born in 2009), also plays hockey. Hagens began his hockey career with his local team, the Long Island Royals.
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James Hagens: Youth Career
A forward who shoots left, Hagens showed his talent early. While playing U15 hockey for Mount St. Charles Academy, he recorded 54 goals and 61 assists in 54 games.
During the 2022–2023 season, Hagens played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he scored 26 goals and added 40 assists in 43 games with the U17 team.
The following season, he tallied 102 points (39 goals and 63 assists) in just 58 games.
For the 2024–2025 season, Hagens played college hockey at Boston College, finishing with 11 goals and 26 assists in 37 games. In the 2025–2026 season, he played 34 games and recorded 23 goals and 24 assists for a total of 47 points.
James Hagens made his NHL debut on April 12, 2026. He also played in three play off games with the Bruins.
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International Career
Hagens has represented Team USA at the U17, U18, and U20 levels. At the U17 level, he competed in the 2022 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, recording 8 goals and 13 assists in seven games—setting a tournament record.
At the 2023 U18 World Championship, he registered one goal and four assists in seven games, helping Team USA win the gold medal.
In the 2024 U18 World Championship, Hagens recorded 9 goals and 13 assists in seven games, another tournament record. He was named tournament MVP as Team USA won silver.
Hagens was also selected for the World Junior Championship (U20), where he helped Team USA win gold with two goals and five assists in seven games.
Senior Career
On June 27, 2025, James Hagens was drafted seventh overall by the Boston Bruins. Actor and longtime Bruins fan Adam Sandler announced the pick.
Following the end of Boston College’s season, Hagens officially turned professional on March 24, 2026. James Hagens made his NHL debut on April 12, 2026, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He registered one assist.
FACTS
| Full name | James Hagens |
| Age | 19 |
| Born | November 3, 2006 — Hauppauge, New York 🇺🇸 |
| Position | Center |
| Shoots | Left |
| Height | 180 cm / 5’11” |
| Weight | 88 kg / 193 lbs |
| Current team | Boston Bruins |
| Draft | 2025 — 1st round, 7th overall, Boston Bruins |
| Contract | 3-year entry-level deal signed April 8, 2026 |
CAREER
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | U.S. National U18 Team | NTDP | 58 | 39 | 63 | 102 |
| 2024-25 | Boston College | NCAA | 37 | 11 | 26 | 37 |
| 2025-26 | Boston College | NCAA | 34 | 23 | 24 | 47 |
| 2025-26 | Providence Bruins | AHL | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 2025-26 | Boston Bruins | NHL | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
USNTDP career: 187 points — fifth-most in program history NHL debut April 12, 2026 vs Columbus, one assist
HONORS
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| IIHF U18 World Championship gold | 2023 |
| U18 Worlds silver + Tournament MVP, Best Forward, record 22 points | 2024 |
| Hockey East All-Rookie Team | 2024-25 |
| World Junior Championship gold | 2025 |
| Hockey East Scoring Champion + First Team All-Star | 2025-26 |
| Beanpot MVP | 2026 |
| First Team All-American | 2026 |
| Hobey Baker Award top-10 finalist | 2026 |
Personal Life
James Hagens comes from a hockey-playing family, with both of his siblings also involved in the sport. His parents are Michael and Kristine Hagens. James Hagens is currently dating Carley Sgueglia, a lacrosse player.
Height and Weight
James Hagens stands 5’11” (180 cm) tall and weighs 194 lbs (88 kg).
He was the consensus No. 1 prospect for much of his draft year and went seventh overall to Boston in 2025. Sportsnet devoted a segment to explaining the slide, and it remains the most-discussed thing about him.
Yes, Michael is his older brother, a defenseman born in 2005. They played together at Boston College before Michael transferred to the University of Vermont for 2026-27.
He signed a three-year entry-level contract with Boston on April 8, 2026 worth $975,000 a year. He had signed an amateur tryout with AHL Providence two weeks earlier.
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