Hagens Gets First NHL Goal in Bruins' Game at Winnipeg
Boston rookie James Hagens scored his first NHL goal at 15:20 of the first period, beating Stuart Skinner to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead over Winnipeg. Nikita Zadorov and Mark Kastelic assisted on the milestone for the 2025 seventh overall pick. Winnipeg's Viggo Björck, the eighth pick in the 2026 draft, made his NHL debut in the same game.
James Hagens, a 19-year-old from Hauppauge, New York, was taken seventh overall by Boston in 2025. Before this season, he skated at Boston College, recording 23 goals and 47 points across 34 games, then appeared in two regular-season contests and three playoff games. His lone prior point came on an assist in his April debut versus Columbus.
In Winnipeg, his first-period wrist shot at 15:20 beat Stuart Skinner, with Nikita Zadorov and Mark Kastelic earning helpers. Kastelic had earlier fought Jets rookie Tyrel Bauer and served five minutes. Winnipeg's Viggo Björck, chosen eighth overall in 2026, debuted in the same matchup. Dylan DeMelo scored first, Hampus Lindholm equalized, and Boston led 2-1 after one.
The milestone may give Bruins supporters a new young player to follow and could raise Hagens' profile among casual fans. Winnipeg's debut of Viggo Björck may similarly energize Jets followers and add interest to future matchups. For young athletes, such moments could reinforce that development paths through college hockey can lead to NHL opportunities. Media coverage and highlight clips may briefly expand the audience for early-season hockey.