The Boston Bruins announced the signing of top prospect James Hagens this week. But it wasn’t the sort of contract that most fans would have expected.
The deal is an ATO or Amateur Tryout Contract. The deal means that Hagens will be heading to the AHL, not the NHL.
That’s an interesting distinction, especially with fans hoping to see Hagen debut with the Bruins this season. Now, signing an AHL contract does not preclude Hagens from playing in the NHL this season.
However, there are a couple of important considerations.
First, it turns out that players who sign NHL contracts after the trade deadline cannot play in the AHL. As such, if Hagens had signed an NHL contract, he would have had to play for the Bruins. The team wouldn’t have been able to send him down.
Second, that brings up the next consideration. If the Bruins had signed Hagens, it would have been an entry-level deal (ELC). And since he can’t go down to the AHL, there was a serious possibility of Hagens playing 10 games or more, essentially burning the first year of his contract.
Now, why is that important?
Burning the first year of his ELC brings him one year closer to RFA status. That would be a major hiccup, especially if Hagens plans to return to the NCAA next season. So, Boston would have the clock running on a player who wouldn’t play for them anyway.
It’s not so much a question of paying him to play in the NCAA, which the Bruins technically can’t, but it’s a matter of wasting years on his contract when he could finish his time in college and then make the leap to the NHL.
Hagens Could Still Turn Pro
There’s always the possibility that Hagens decides to turn pro. If that’s the case, he could remain in the AHL this year and next. To do that, he would then have to sign his ELC, making him officially a member of the organization.
At this point, Hagens is turning pro. But because he signed an ATO, the organization can “release” him at any time. At that point, Hagens is free to return to Boston College.
It’s also worth noting that the Bruins have time on their side. The club must sign Hagens by August 15, 2028, or forfeit his rights. That’s why there is no real rush from either side to get an NHL deal inked.
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Bruins May Want to Take Things Slowly with Hagens
Realistically, the Bruins have no practical need for Hagens at this point. It would make sense if the team were in last place and rebuilding. However, Boston is in the midst of a playoff race.
That situation calls into question what role Hagens could play. He’s not going to join the NHL to play under 10 minutes a night on the fourth line. The Providence Bruins can accommodate a top-six spot for him for the remainder of the season.
That’s a wiser move from a developmental perspective. Boston wants to see where Hagens is at the moment. Unless Hagens is somehow ready for the NHL and plans to forego his remaining time in the NCAA, keeping him in the minors is the best path forward at this point.
Bruins Sign Top Prospect to AHL Contract for Key Reason