Bruins beat writer Conor Ryan just reported that James Hagens has gone to the room during the third period in Pittsburgh.
The Bruins have not given any update yet, and it is not known whether the rookie will return tonight. Boston and the Penguins are still playing as this is written.
Ryan first noted that Hagens was showing some discomfort on the bench.
He then pointed to the replay, saying Penguins defenseman Samuel Girard delivered a crosscheck right to Hagens' lower back.
Then came the confirmation that Hagens was headed to the room.
Nothing more is known, and there is no diagnosis. Anything beyond what Ryan has seen would be a guess.
The timing stings. Hagens has 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points in 16 games this season, with a +7 rating, and he was tied for the NHL rookie scoring lead.
Why Hagens matters to the Bruins right now
Our recent coverage had him squarely in the James Hagens Calder Trophy conversation this week. He is the seventh overall pick from 2025 and he has been a steady presence in Marco Sturm's lineup.
Sturm has been careful with the 20-year-old, and Boston Hockey Now reported on Wednesday that Hagens is exceeding expectations while the coach keeps preaching patience. Losing him mid-game is the last thing this group needs.
Boston arrived in Pittsburgh at 11-4-1, first in the Atlantic Division. The Penguins sit 29th in the NHL and have lost 3 straight.
The Bruins host Florida next on Sunday, Nov. 8. Whether Hagens is in the lineup for that one depends on an update the team has not yet provided.
