Bruins Marco Sturm 'Really Wants' James Hagens To Play originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Despite not allowing the 19-year-old Boston College standout to make his NHL debut on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins head coach Marco Sturm made his feelings very clear on James Hagens timeline.

“I really want him to play, but I gotta feel comfortable doing it," Sturm said as quoted by Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub. "I’m trying to do the best I can to make the right decision for this team, this organization, and of course for James.

Sturm explained in the interview conducted after Friday’s practice that he ultimately does not believe that the 2025 first-round pick is ready to skate with the Bruins, yet.

Perhaps it has to do with the fact that the Bruins are playing one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Or maybe it’s simply because Hagens was signed on Wednesday morning and has just two career NHL practices under his belt.

Regardless of his status in the Bruins' lineup, Sturm says his presence in the building is already paying off inside the locker room.

“It should motivate them," Sturm said. "They should fight for that spot, and that’s good. That’s what we want. We’re not going to hand it to anyone. Not James either, so he needs to earn it, too.”

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