INSTANT REACTION: Bruins Sign James Hagens

·31 min·3 clips

The Bruins just signed top prospect James Hagens to a three-year entry-level deal, sparking instant debate about his immediate impact.

The episode begins with host Evan Marinofsky announcing the breaking news that the Bruins have signed prospect James Hagens to a three-year entry-level deal. He and guest Connor Ryan immediately dive into analyzing what Hagens brings to the team right now, noting his four goals and ten points in six AHL games with Providence. They emphasize that Hagens represents an upgrade for the third line, which has been struggling with players like Lucas Reichel and Alex Steeves. The hosts break down Hagens' specific skills, including elite zone entries, transition play, and playmaking creativity. They debate potential line combinations, with one option being Hagens with Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie on the third line, and another being Hagens with Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak on the top line. The discussion considers how coach Jim Montgomery might shuffle lines, especially after Pastrnak and Geekie's recent chemistry. A listener question prompts analysis on whether Hagens will play center this season, with both hosts agreeing he'll likely stay on wing due to existing depth. They predict Hagens could be a 0.6 points-per-game player and discuss his potential power-play impact on a unit ranked 27th since the Olympic break. The episode touches on the excitement Hagens brings to the fanbase, with expectations of a big ovation in his debut. They also briefly mention sponsor segments for Awaken 180, PrizePix, and Rocket Money. The conversation concludes with Ryan promoting his coverage at The Boston Globe and Boston.com, noting more analysis will follow once practice lines are revealed.

As heard by us

A measured Bruins reaction that turns the Higgins signing into a real lineup question.

Bruins Beat moves quickly from James Higgins' three-year entry-level deal to the more useful question of fit. The episode frames his arrival in Boston around Thursday's practice, the Bruins' need for a spark after the road trip, and the tension between giving him a top-six look…

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Why you'd press play

You want the Bruins' James Higgins news placed straight into the lineup puzzle before Thursday practice fills in the blanks.

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