The noise was starting to pick up around James Hagens' production struggles as Team USA fell behind to Team Slovakia on Monday evening at the World Junior Championships. He still looked like a dynamic offensive player, but it wasn't translating into enough on the scoresheet. Many social media users wondered why the Boston Bruins' top prospect was struggling to score for the USA.
Been a rough start for the WJC for James Hagens. Would like to see more offense from the Bruins top prospect.
— Robert Chalmers (@IvanIvanlvan) December 30, 2025
It would be nice for Team USA if James Hagens finally joined the party #NHLBruins
— Brewin’ Bruins (@BrewinBruins) December 29, 2025
However, with a goal late in the second period and early in the third to put his country ahead, Hagens completely changed the narrative.