​Bruins’ James Hagens Given Impressive Ranking in Top-100 NHL Prospects List originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.James Hagens is one of the best young players in hockey.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe only just got to start showing that for the Boston Bruins, but the expectation is that his future is incredibly bright.Hagens was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft out of Boston College after previously being in the running to go first in that draft class.He joined the Bruins by the end of the 2025-26 season and looked comfortable enough with the speed of the NHL game.As Hagens settles in, he should be a huge difference maker.He also ranks quite well on the top-100 prospect list put out by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, which requires a player to be under 23 and “not fully established” in the NHL.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMORE: Zdeno Chara’s NHL height record is in 7-foot-1 jeopardyOn Wheeler’s list, Hagens is ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the NHL.He’s directly behind Daxon Rudolph, who the Sabres just chose No. 4 overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.Hagens will turn 20 in November and is the fourth-best center on the list.Wheeler gave high praise for Hagens, including this large blurb:”His game is about skating and playmaking. He’s breezy as a skater, making his patterns look easy out there. He’s agile and his stride and edges are dynamic, light, mobile and adjustable, with good speed and quick acceleration through his crossovers and cuts. He has high-end touch and handling and real finesse as a passer or in playing pucks into space for himself. He’s very aware of spacing and timing on the ice and does a good job hitting his spots off the puck to present an option in motion to teammates, as well as finding teammates when they’re open with his vision through layers. He has an impressive small-area game and an even more impressive game in open ice, with an ability to take his first touch and put opposing defenders on their heels when he gets the puck. He makes a lot happen in transition with his ability to flow up ice and make plays at pace, because the puck just sticks to his stick, and he moves with control of rare quality. He has phenomenal dexterity and reflexes, catching passes into his first touch. He’s crafty and has a game that mixes delays with one-on-one skill that pulls defenders in and then beats them. He has drive and wants to take charge on the ice.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWheeler caps it off with five words: “I remain a big believer.”The Bruins certainly do, too, and Hagens should get plenty of opportunities to shine in the years to come.Latest Bruins newsTD Garden fan guide: What to know before you goComplete history of Bruins championships