Bruins first round pick James Hagens set for NHL debut.

The Boston Bruins are adding a big weapon to their lineup, one that fans have been anticipating for quite some time.

The Bruins have officially confirmed that first round pick James Hagen will make his National Hockey League debut on Sunday night when the Bruins face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. While this may look like a meaningless game given that the Bruins have already clinched their playoff spot, Hagens is being thrown right into the fire here with the Blue Jackets still in a desperate fight for their playoff lives.

Hagens was selected in the first round (7th overall) of the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft and spent this season with Boston College where he had the best season of his collegiate career. In 34 games for Boston College, Hagens had 23 goals and 24 assists for a total of 47 points in 34 games.

Hagens has also spent some time with the Bruins American Hockey League affiliate, appearing in 6 games for the Providence Bruins where he had 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points.

While some have suggested that Hagens will likely be buried in the lineup by being forced to center the Bruins 4th line, that seems unlikely given comments made by Bruins head coach Marco Sturm. Sturm has suggested that Hagen will be deployed on the wing for the foreseeable future, which does leave some questions about where exactly he will slot in today's lineup.

Stay tuned for more.