The Boston Bruins could soon receive a substantial boost from an unexpected source. Team GM Don Sweeney recently attempted to strengthen his squad via the trade market. After missing out on star defenseman Rasmus Andersson in January, it was reported that Boston would take another swing. Nevertheless, this ultimately did not happen before the March 6 deadline.
Following deadline day, Sweeney told reporters that he attempted to strike a big deal. “I would have liked to have added to the group,” claimed Sweeney, as reported by NBC Sports Boston. “We would always like to, we always want to improve our team. We did enough due diligence, and maybe that applies at the draft or afterwards. Or maybe we take our picks because we’re committed to the process that we started.”
The Bruins currently have a plethora of attractive draft picks in the near future. In fact, due to previous deals, they have four first-round selections in the next two years and seven picks in the first four rounds of the 2026 draft. Sweeney’s resistance to give up some of these picks clearly shows that the exec has one eye on the future.
Boston’s top prospect for the future, however, could join the team sooner than expected. 19-year-old James Hagens, one of the sport’s top teens, is currently starring for Boston College. The dynamic forward has racked up 42 points in 32 collegiate games so far this season. The youngster’s success has made some insiders believe that he will officially join the NHL team once BC’s campaign finishes this Spring.
James Hagens Predicted to Join Boston Bruins This Spring
GettyThe Bruins drafted James Hagens with the seventh overall selection of the 2025 NHL draft.
MassLive’s hockey experts, Chris Mason, Lauren Campbell, and Matt Vautour, all recently made predictions of whether or not Hagens will play for the Bruins during the 2025-26 season. Vautour claimed that the budding star would, but only if BC does not qualify for the Frozen Four. Mason and Campbell, however, were both more straightforward in their answers.
Mason specifically claimed that Hagens could provide Boston a significant boost heading towards a playoff push. “If the Bruins are teetering on the verge of the playoffs in April, Hagens could provide that extra spark they need to get over the finish line,” proclaimed the reporter. “At his pre-deadline press conference, Sweeney said, ‘We’d like to give (the players) a bump, because they’ve earned that.’ Hagens can provide that.”
Bruins Need a Boost Heading to the Home Stretch
The Bruins currently find themselves barely holding on to a playoff spot. As of March 11, they are only ahead of the ninth-placed Columbus Blue Jackets by just two points. Although Boston started the season fairly strongly, the team has just four wins in its last nine games. On top of this, they have managed to score more than three goals once in their last six games.
Despite the need for some firepower, Sweeney and Bruins head coach Marco Sturm will try to ease the pressure on Hagens. The club obviously wants to win, but they also want to be careful with the top prospect. Potentially receiving early playoff experience, however, could end up being key to the youngster’s development. BC and Hagens will begin postseason play against Maine on March 13.
Bruins May Rely on Teen Sensation During Playoff Push