James Hagens, Marco Sturm Break Down Rookie's Hot Start to Season, What's Next in Development

The Bruins seem to have found a rising star.

Through his first 16 games this season, James Hagens is building an early case to win Rookie of the Year, helping lead Boston to its sixth-straight home win on Monday night.

Hagens scored one of three Bruins goals, up to 12 points already as he's emerged as a key piece already, turning 20 years old on Tuesday.

Here's what Hagens and head coach Marco Sturm had to say about the rookie's emergence over the first weeks of the 2026-27 season.

James Hagens, Marco Sturm Break Down Rookie's Hot Start to Season

Through 16 games, Hagens now leads all NHL rookies in points (12). He's tied for the rookie lead in goals (6) and tied for second in assists (6).

On Monday night, the Bruins' 2025 No. 7 pick played a career-high 17:27 in his team's shootout win, giving his team a 1-0 lead in the first period.

When asked how Hagens can continue to develop, Sturm said postgame that he likes that Hagens is now "facing the big boys."

"That's something I can't even answer [for] you. It's just, overall, he needs to grow, as a player and as a person. Sometimes you have to be patient in that. I do like that now he's facing the big boys. I think those are big steps for him," Sturm said. "Moving forward, how to play, how to play behind him, how to manage pucks, not give away pucks. He can't do things overnight, but it has to be step by step, and sometimes it's just playing games."

"I think we all, especially Kells (Chris Kelly), do a good job sitting down with him one-on-one a lot and going through that stuff. I know his linemates are too, so we're just going to take it day by day and try to improve him in every area."

In the Bruins' last matchup against the Blackhawks, Hagens had a late turnover that led to Chicago extending its lead. But Sturm said the rookie has been quick to acknowledge his mistakes and move on.

"What I like about Hagens is that he knows. A lot of times," Sturm said, per The Athletic. "Not just about (against Chicago), but even the nights before. When he makes a mistake, he owns it. A lot of kids don't. He's willing to come in and watch it over again. It's a learning process for him as well. What I like about him is he's willing to get better and he realized a big mistake. Good for him."

While Sturm seems to be taking a patient approach with Hagans, the rookie's skill set has already put him at the top of Boston's roster.

"There's still a lot to grow," Sturm said, per The Athletic. "But he's getting it. He's getting it. That's the biggest thing. He knows now. As soon as he screws up, he's the first one that admits it. That's a good thing. You've just got to give him time. He's doing just fine."

After Monday's win, Hagens said he's feeling more comfortable in the NHL with every game that passes.

"It's nice to be here. It's nice to be a part of this, and day by day you feel more comfortable and that comes with just the guys in this room," Hagens said. "They were so welcoming to me and just to be able to come in here, and everybody has a smile on their face. It's fun to be around here. It's exciting and it leads over to the ice."

Hagens and the Bruins continue their season on Thursday against the Penguins.