Hagens close to signing ELC with Bruins, but focused on collegiate season for now

The collegiate regular season has concluded, which means it’s time for drafted players to sign with the teams who hold their rights, and the undrafted players to see if they can find an NHL organization to join as a free agent.

We’ve already seen some big names sign with their respective teams thus far, but one of the more interesting names still not signed is James Hagens. The seventh-overall pick of the Boston Bruins in 2025 still has some games left with Boston College as they prepare for the playoffs. But will he eventually sign with the Bruins, and possibly join them for their playoff run?

David Pagnotta joined Daily Faceoff Live to talk about Hagens and what the Bruins’ plans are for him for the rest of the season.

David Pagnotta: Right now, there’s an offer on the table from the Bruins for his ELC contract. But right now, Hagens’ focus is helping Boston College and competing in Hockey East to go after a championship. So that’s where the focus is right now, and the Bruins understand that and that’s what they want. They want him to focus on that right now.

But once the season wraps, then he’ll have a decision to make. He was named a Hobey Baker finalist yesterday, had a good season, led Hockey East in points. He had about 82 points in 70 games over his last 2 seasons. Now he’s just pushing in the playoffs and in the tournament and trying to help his team win a championship.

So that’s where the focus is. But all indications are, and talking to some people close to the Bruins and in the Bruins organization, they expect Hagens to join the club, but the ball’s in his court. He won’t make that determination until after his season wraps up. But every indication right now is that he’ll be joining the Bruins later on this season once he’s done at Boston.

You can watch the full episode here…