After playing his first Bruins’ home game, is James Hagens’ first playoff game next?

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After playing his first Bruins’ home game, is James Hagens’ first playoff game next?

Matt Vautour · MassLive

Wed, Apr 15, 2026 ·

2 min read

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BOSTON — James Hagens continued checking off milestone firsts in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over the Devils.

After signing his contract, he participated in his first practice on Friday, played in his first game on Sunday, where he picked up his first assist.

On Tuesday he played in his first home game in Boston’s regular season finale.

Will his first playoff game follow?

Marco Sturm wasn’t letting on, but the Bruins coach likes what he’s seen.

“He played well again today. He looked way more comfortable today. He will be a good one,” Sturm said. “I think everyone could see it. He did a lot of good things. I like what I saw the last two games that’s for sure.”

The Bruins will begin the Stanley Cup playoffs this weekend in Buffalo. Hagens acknowledged that he’s auditioning for a role on the team in the playoffs, but said that didn’t change his approach.

“You can say that every time you step on the ice. It’s more about being in the moment,” he said. “It about showing up to your job to be prepared, do everything on and off the ice.”

Hagens, 19, played 18 shifts over 15:58 in the game, mostly on a line with 23-year-old Marat Khusnutdinov and 21-year-old Fraser Minten .

“They’re great players. When you’re out on the ice with players that high caliber, they make your job easy. You try to make sure you’re doing your job to help them out as best you can,” he said. “It’s just learning every time you’re out there.”

Hagens played games at TD Garden for BC at the Beanpot and Hockey East Tournaments, but it’s not the same when playing for the Bruins.

“It’s definitely different when you’re wearing a Bruins jersey,” he said. “The stands are amazing how loud they get out there. That’s really cool.”

In those stands were several fans who’d already purchased his replica No. 44.

Hagens marveled at the idea that a kid like him, who still has replica jerseys of Sidney Crosby , Matt Barzal and Patrick Kane at his parents house, now has people buying his.

“I still have them in my closet,” he said. “It’s really cool to see.”

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