Latest news with #Bruins
Boston Globe
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Five things to know about Bruins' first-round pick James Hagens
Hagens is coming off of a freshman season at Boston College in which the skilled playmaker compiled 11 goals and 26 assists in 37 games — while posting a plus-21 rating. The 5-foot-11-inch, 177-pounder ranked fourth among NCAA freshmen in points, while earning a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. He skated on a BC team had three other Bruins draft picks: Oskar Jellvik, Dean Letourneau, and Andre Gasseau. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Hagens is the third Bruins' first-round pick from BC or Boston University — joining Charlie McAvoy (No. 14, 2016) and Craig Janney (No. 13, 1986). Advertisement 'I love the city. I love being in Boston,' Hagens said. 'I grew up playing so many hockey tournaments in Boston, so I knew the area. I'm super grateful it worked out, and then I'm in this spot now.' Hagens said he wants to go to the NHL as soon as possible, but will consult with Bruins management about his next steps. Hagens entered this season as the consensus No. 1 pick Advertisement Entering the 2024-25 season, Hagens was considered the top prospect in this draft class — earning the No. 1 spot on TSN's Bob McKenzie's preseason rankings in September. 'It wasn't a particularly difficult choice [to make Hagens No. 1 on the preseason list],' Hagens's standing was warranted, given the Hauppauge, N.Y., native's track record of shredding defenses the last few seasons. Before his arrival at BC, Hagens recorded 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) in 58 games with the US National Development Program in 2023-24. That 102-point output bested the likes of Ryan Leonard (94), Phil Kessel (98 points), and Matthew Tkachuk (95 points) during their under-18 seasons with the USNTDP. The only U18 players to match or surpass Hagens's 102 points were Patrick Kane, Cole Eiserman, Clayton Keller, Jack Hughes, Auston Matthews — and BC products Will Smith and Gabe Perreault. Hagens also dominated international competition — setting a scoring record at the 2024 World U18 Championships with 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in just seven games. The previous record-holder? Nikita Kucherov. Even with his smaller frame, Hagens is a dynamic playmaker with the puck — with evaluators unanimously awarding him with the 'best hands' in his draft class 'I love making plays,' Hagens said last month. 'I love being able to find a guy back door, that's something that I feel like is a big part of my game, my whole entire career. So I wouldn't say that I ever deflect away from shooting the puck. I know when to shoot and when to pass.' Advertisement Hagens saw his stock slip the last few months Despite Hagens's track record, that smaller frame might have been one of the reasons he was available at No. 7. Hagens's playmaking acumen would seemingly thrive in an NHL that prioritizes speed and skill. But questions have arisen over whether Hagens's smaller frame might stunt his production. Even with his point-per-game line with the Eagles, his raw numbers paled in comparison to recent Hockey East freshman phenoms such Jack Eichel (71 points in 40 games) and Macklin Celebrini (64 points in 38 games). Hagens might have been leapfrogged by Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa on the draft board, but his high-end talent make for great value at No. 7. The case could be made that Hagens would have replicated the production of Misa (134 points in 65 games) or Jake O'Brien (32 goals, 98 points in 66), had he also played against younger competition in Canadian juniors. 'I thought this year was really good,' Hagens said. 'And you just got to go out there next year and prove everyone that passed on you wrong. I'm in a spot where I want to be. I want to be a Boston Bruin, and I'm really excited to get things going.' Hagens grew up as an Islanders fan It should come as little surprise that the crowd at the Islanders' draft party groaned when the Bruins selected Hagens. Advertisement The — Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) Hagens grew up less than 30 miles from Nassau Coliseum. 'His favorite player as a kid was John Tavares, he has a picture with Matt Martin on the wall in his room and has playoff memories — and towels from Nassau Coliseum,' Islanders staff writer Rachel Luscher wrote in a draft profile. With the Islanders adding the No. 16 and No. 17 picks after trading Noah Dobson to Montreal, But with Hagens on the board at No. 7, the Bruins did not bite on any offers with the skilled center up for grabs. 'I stayed away from all that stuff,' Hagens said of trade rumors. 'I had no idea where it was going to end up. I'm so grateful that I'm ending up at Boston, that I'm a Bruin, and that I'm not leaving the Boston area.' Hagens is a big fan of 'Happy Gilmore' It was fitting that Adam Sandler — appearing as Happy Gilmore — was the one to announce Boston's pick. 'My name is Happy Gilmore, how are you?' Sandler said in the video while donning a Bruins sweater. 'Proud to be part of the 2025 NHL Draft. The Boston Bruins select from Boston College, James Hagens. Way to go homie!' Oh, Happy day. Who we picking, Mr. Gilmore? — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) 'I just had the biggest smile on my face because I love 'Happy Gilmore' — it's my favorite movie,' Hagens said. 'So it was just right away, the coolest thing.' Conor Ryan can be reached at
San Francisco Chronicle
11 hours ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
With Adam Sandler announcing his pick, Boston College's James Hagens happy to be drafted by Bruins
Growing up on Long Island, James Hagens wanted nothing more than to be selected by the team he grew up rooting for, the New York Islanders. Though that dream failed to materialize at the NHL draft on Friday night, the 18-year-old Boston College center was more than happy with the consolation. Hagens is not only staying in Boston, after being selected seventh overall by the Bruins, he enjoyed the extra bonus of having his name announced by Adam Sandler. 'Just being on a team that wants you the most, I love Boston. I love the area,' he said after becoming the first U.S.-born player taken in the draft. 'It's so special to have Adam Sandler make that pick. It's something I'll never forget for the rest of my life.' It just so happens that Hagens lists his favorite movie as 'Happy Gilmore,' which features Sandler as a former hockey player who turns his attention to golf. Wearing a Bruins jersey, Sandler announced the pick on a video screen on the draft stage inside the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. As Hagens made his way up the aisle, Sandler could be seen celebrating on screen in the background. Sandler was one of numerous celebrities to introduce teams' selections with the NHL going to a decentralized draft format in which its 32 franchises made their picks from their own markets. That's different from the past, when all teams gathered inside the same facility to make their picks. At 5-foot-11, Hagens had 11 goals and 26 assist s to finish fourth in points among college freshmen last season. He scored five goals for America's gold medal-winning team at the world juniors championships. The Islanders had the first pick, and selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Finally, a trade The first 11 picks in the draft went by without any movement. Then, Commissioner Gary Bettman asked Kris Letang's son, Alex, to press the red button that brought 'Trade Alert' up on video screens. The Pittsburgh Penguins traded No. 12, which the New York Rangers transferred to them earlier in the week to complete the J.T. Miller deal with Vancouver, to the cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers for Nos. 22 and 31. The Flyers took big center Jack Nesbitt. 'You were our guy all along,' general manager Daniel Briere told him. Celebrity pickers Bettman announced the first pick, then turned the responsibilities over to everyone from a WWE wrestler to a series of NHL alumni. ___
Boston Globe
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Dressed as Happy Gilmore, Adam Sandler announces Bruins' pick of James Hagens at NHL Draft
Sandler introduced himself as Gilmore and made the pick that will keep Hagens in the city. Hagens lists 'Happy Gilmore' as his favorite movie. And to have Sandler, a Manchester, N.H., native and Bruins fan, be the one to make the announcement made the moment that much more special. Advertisement 'I'm so excited to be back in Boston, and to be able to have Adam Sandler make the pick was special,' Hagens said. 'It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life.' Oh, Happy day. Who we picking, Mr. Gilmore? — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) The Bruins are hoping Hagens's hockey career is a bit more productive than Gilmore's, who was a washed up hockey player who turned to golf in an effort to save his grandmother's house.
Fox Sports
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
With Adam Sandler announcing his pick, Boston College's James Hagens happy to be drafted by Bruins
Associated Press Growing up on Long Island, James Hagens wanted nothing more than to be selected by the team he grew up rooting for, the New York Islanders. Though that dream failed to materialize at the NHL draft on Friday night, the 18-year-old Boston College center was more than happy with the consolation. Hagens is not only staying in Boston, after being selected seventh overall by the Bruins, he enjoyed the extra bonus of having his name announced by Adam Sandler. 'Just being on a team that wants you the most, I love Boston. I love the area,' he said after becoming the first U.S.-born player taken in the draft. 'It's so special to have Adam Sandler make that pick. It's something I'll never forget for the rest of my life.' It just so happens that Hagens lists his favorite movie as 'Happy Gilmore,' which features Sandler as a former hockey player who turns his attention to golf. Wearing a Bruins jersey, Sandler announced the pick on a video screen on the draft stage inside the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. As Hagens made his way up the aisle, Sandler could be seen celebrating on screen in the background. Sandler was one of numerous celebrities to introduce teams' selections with the NHL going to a decentralized draft format in which its 32 franchises made their picks from their own markets. That's different from the past, when all teams gathered inside the same facility to make their picks. At 5-foot-11, Hagens had 11 goals and 26 assist s to finish fourth in points among college freshmen last season. He scored five goals for America's gold medal-winning team at the world juniors championships. The Islanders had the first pick, and selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Finally, a trade The first 11 picks in the draft went by without any movement. Then, Commissioner Gary Bettman asked Kris Letang's son, Alex, to press the red button that brought 'Trade Alert' up on video screens. The Pittsburgh Penguins traded No. 12, which the New York Rangers transferred to them earlier in the week to complete the J.T. Miller deal with Vancouver, to the cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers for Nos. 22 and 31. The Flyers took big center Jack Nesbitt. 'You were our guy all along,' general manager Daniel Briere told him. Celebrity pickers Bettman announced the first pick, then turned the responsibilities over to everyone from a WWE wrestler to a series of NHL alumni. Golfer Tony Finau did it for Utah, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley for Philadelphia, members of the Goo Goo Dolls for Buffalo and Meredith Gaudreau, wife of late Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, for Columbus. ___ AP NHL:
CBS News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Boston Bruins draft James Hagens from Boston College with No. 7 pick
Marco Sturm shares his vision for Bruins in 1-on-1 with Steve Burton Marco Sturm shares his vision for Bruins in 1-on-1 with Steve Burton Marco Sturm shares his vision for Bruins in 1-on-1 with Steve Burton The Boston Bruins drafted Boston College center James Hagens with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday night. The pick was announced by actor and comedian Adam Sandler. Hagens, from Hauppauge, N.Y., had 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games with the BC Eagles last season. Hagens is the top American prospect. Here's what Elite Prospects said about Hagens in its 2025 NHL Draft guide: "Hagens has seemingly been part of the hockey world's zeitgeist from a young age. A fluid skater who is light on his edges, he leverages full-range wingspan handling, high activity rate crossovers, and a motor to create constant advantages. He layers pucks through tricky seams, hooks and slips feeds around pressure, and improvises on the fly with lightning-quick processing, punching away from threats and funneling play to the inside." Friday's selection was the highest pick general manager Don Sweeney has made with Boston, and the first time the team has drafted in the Top 10 since taking defenseman Dougie Hamilton ninth overall in 2011. Bruins 2025 Draft Picks Here are Boston's remaining picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, which will conclude on Saturday: Round 2, Pick 51 (from St. Louis via Edmonton from Trent Frederic trade) Round 2, Pick 61 (from Carolina via Colorado from Charlie Coyle trade) Round 3, Pick 69 Round 4, Pick 100 (from Philadelphia via Toronto from Brandon Carlo trade) Round 5, Pick 133 Round 6, Pick 165
