Hagens Scores as Bruins Top Golden Knights
Rookie James Hagens scored a goal in Boston's 3-2 shootout win over Vegas on Monday.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hockey
Bruins rookie James Hagens scored his sixth goal of the season in a 3-2 shootout win over the Vegas Golden Knights. The victory came on Monday at home in Boston.
Why it matters
Hagens' production makes him a central figure in Boston's offense as he establishes himself among the league's rookies. His scoring pace puts him in position to be a significant contributor for the Bruins this season.
Hagens leads NHL rookies with six goals and 12 points, and his six assists tie for second among first-year players. Five of his six goals came from the slot or net front, and he is on pace to top 30 goals this season, which remains unproven over a full schedule.
The players
James Hagens
Hagens is a Boston Bruins rookie forward who was the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NHL draft and previously led Hockey East in goals at Boston College.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are an original six NHL franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights are an NHL expansion franchise based in Las Vegas, Nevada, that entered the league in 2017.
Elias Lindholm
Elias Lindholm is a Bruins forward who assisted on Hagens' goal in the win over Vegas.
The details
Hagens scored after winning a race to a loose puck in the left wing corner and passing it behind the net to Elias Lindholm. He later curled off the left wing wall between two Vegas players and received a pass from Lindholm at the front of the net.
Timeline
Monday: Bruins defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in a shootout, with Hagens scoring his sixth goal of the season.
2025: Hagens was selected seventh overall in the NHL draft.
Last year: Hagens scored 23 goals at Boston College, a Hockey East best.
Season Trajectory
Hagens' pace would surpass David Pastrnak's 29-goal output from last season, placing a rookie ahead of the Bruins' recent top scorer. That comparison reshapes how the franchise's offensive depth is being measured early in the 2026 season.
Hagens' six goals and 12 points make him a notable option for fantasy rosters in leagues that score skaters on goals and points. His early production also affects how Bruins lineup decisions and depth scoring will be viewed through the season.
The takeaway
Early rookie production can shift how teams evaluate their lineups, and Hagens' pace is worth tracking against sustained performance over the full season. Readers following Boston's offense should watch whether his scoring holds beyond the opening weeks.
Further reading
Explore more Hockey coverage from across the league for context on rookie scoring trends.
