"I think it's really imperative for him to continue to be playing. Ideally, I'd rather be watching him play last night (with Providence) in Springfield, to tell you the honest truth. The rules are the rules, and how we navigated in terms of getting James experience at this point in time. That was part of it, you know, going to Providence for a period of time, getting into regular season games, playing in the playoffs. And now he has the benefit of going to play in the Worlds."
James Hagens, a Boston Bruins rookie selected seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, has been named to Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF World Championship alongside teammate Mason Lohrei. Hagens brings extensive international experience, having represented Team USA at the 2023 and 2024 World U18 Championships and winning gold at the 2025 World Junior Championship. After a strong sophomore season at Boston College, he signed with Providence Bruins in March and his entry-level contract with Boston in April, appearing in five NHL games including playoff contests. NHL rules prevent him from joining Providence's playoff run, making the World Championship a valuable opportunity for continued development against elite competition.
Read at NBC Sports Boston
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