Bruins land “steal of the draft” according to analysts after first-round pick

The Boston Bruins may have just landed their most exciting prospect in years, selecting James Hagens, a speedy, creative center from Boston College, in a draft move that could reshape their future.

Bruins bank on dynamic skill with Hagens pick  

Boston didn’t just make a selection, they made a statement.

By grabbing James Hagens, the Bruins addressed what’s been a glaring weakness in their system: the lack of a true top-line offensive talent.

At 5-foot-11, Hagens isn’t the biggest forward in the draft, but he brings a blend of speed, vision, and puck control that few prospects can match.

His freshman year at Boston College saw him produce at a point-per-game pace, proof that his skill set already translates at a high level.

Analysts agree: Hagens is the most talented player in Boston’s pipeline  

Some questioned whether Hagens would slide after dropping from his early status as a projected No. 1 pick. Instead, the Bruins may have just stolen one of the most gifted forwards in the class.

He’s an electric skater, puck handler and passer, he becomes the clear top young talent in their organization.

wrote Corey Pronman of The Athletic.

While Pronman noted that Hagens sometimes plays too much on the outside and may need to get stronger, he still gave the Bruins an A-minus grade, a clear vote of confidence.

Mary Clarke of For The Win went a step further.

Hagens has incredible skill and will likely end up as one of the better centers of this draft due to his creative and explosive play, she wrote. A steal for Boston, that’s for sure.

A playmaker with vision, creativity, and room to grow

The Bruins didn’t draft a finished product. They took a player who still has layers to unlock, and that’s exactly what makes Hagens such a compelling pick.

His passing skills were, as such, on full display, he knows how to set up a play so that it finds his teammates where they need to be rather than where they are.

That’s the kind of anticipation and IQ that can’t be coached. Stuart gave the pick an A-plus and praised Hagens’ natural ability to read the game, an attribute Boston sorely needs as they work through a transitional phase.

wrote Hannah Stuart of Bleacher Report.

Bruins keep their future star close to home  

There’s also something to be said about familiarity. Hagens is already thriving in Boston, and staying local offers a smooth runway for development. He knows the city, the environment, and what it takes to compete at a high level there.

For a team looking to retool rather than rebuild, landing someone with Hagens’ upside, especially one who’s already producing in their own backyard, feels like the perfect fit.

The Bruins didn’t just draft a center; they may have drafted the player who’ll define their next era.