Five players to watch this week at Bruins Development Camp
James Hagens, C
The crown jewel of a revamped Bruins prospect pipeline, Hagens could assuage the pain drawn from a miserable 2024-25 season if he develops into a legitimate franchise pivot.
Despite dropping from his standing as the projected No. 1 pick entering the 2024-25 campaign, Hagens is a skilled playmaker whose skating ability, slick hands, and transition game should translate well to hockey's highest level.
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Another year at Boston College will benefit Hagens, giving him time to fill out his 5-foot-11-inch frame.
But this week could offer Bruins fans longing for high-end talent a glimpse at what's to come when Hagens puts on a black-and-gold sweater full-time.
'I don't think it's an alarming thing for us at all,' Bruins director of amateur scouting Ryan Nadeau said of Hagens' 37-point freshman season at BC. 'James helped drive a lot of play. Love the way that he can play with pace and attack with pace. Controlled pucks offensively. Just a real exciting player for us.'
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Will Zellers, LW
One of the top prospects acquired in Boston's
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Dean Letourneau, C
All eyes might be fixated on Hagens next season, but BC is expected to feature six Bruins prospects on its roster: Hagens, Moore, Dean Letourneau, Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, and Kristian Kostadinski. And while Hagens might alleviate some pressure on Letourneau, this is shaping up to be a critical year for the Eagles' pivot. Selected in the first round last year (No. 25), Letourneau was viewed as a project by Boston — with the 6-7 center's size and skill painting the picture of a potential matchup nightmare. But after spending most of his draft year dominating at the prep level (127 points in 56 games at St. Andrew's College), Letourneau opted to make the jump to Hockey East rather than spending a year in the USHL. 'I think we all would have agreed that maybe another year of the USHL [or] a full year of the USHL would have been the best path,' Bruins general manager Don Sweeney acknowledged Wednesday. The 2024-25 campaign was a struggle for Letourneau, who had zero goals and three assists over 36 games. At this stage, the Bruins might welcome a scenario where Letourneau develops into a bottom-six ace like the 6-7 Brian Boyle. But the Bruins need to see more assertiveness on the ice — especially given Letourneau's imposing frame.
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Albin Boija, G
The Bruins will have one drafted goaltender in Development Camp in Providence College's Philip Svedebäck (2021 fourth-round pick).
But as they try to find a young netminder to pair with Jeremy Swayman for the long haul, fellow Maine Black Bear Boija is worth keeping tabs on. A camp invite, Boija is expected to be one of the top undrafted college free agents next season after helping Maine to its first Hockey East championship since 2004. The 21-year-old won 23 games last season, sporting a .928 save percentage. With the futures of Michael DiPietro and Brandon Bussi, Boija could be an intriguing add for Boston next spring.
Chris Pelosi, C/W
One of the more under-the-radar prospects in Boston's system, Pelosi had a strong freshman season at Quinnipiac. He had 13 goals and 24 points in 38 games for the Bobcats, with 19 points over the final 23 games of the season. A third-round selection by the Bruins in 2023, Pelosi is a high-motor, physical forward who was noticeable in last year's camp. He might be more of a third-line player if he reaches the NHL, but Pelosi's sandpaper style could make him a useful asset.
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