Overview
- Hagens, who signed an amateur tryout agreement late Monday, reported to the AHL’s Providence Bruins and is expected to debut Wednesday against Springfield.
- He has not signed an NHL entry-level deal, so he cannot play for Boston unless he inks one, and the ATO keeps him from burning the first year of that contract.
- GM Don Sweeney called Hagens a key part of the club’s future and said the team will evaluate his progress day by day with all options open.
- The former No. 7 pick just finished a standout season at Boston College with 23 goals and 47 points, earning Beanpot MVP honors and Hobey Baker top-10 recognition.
- Boston chose the AHL route as it fights for playoff position, giving Hagens pro reps now and preserving flexibility to sign an NHL deal later if performance or injuries warrant it, a path used with Charlie McAvoy in 2017.