The Boston Bruins have plenty to be excited about when they look over at Chestnut Hill. A trio of Bruins prospects-James Hagens, Dean Letourneau, and Andre Gasseau-have been making serious noise for Boston College this season, and Friday night’s win over the University of New Hampshire was a showcase of just how bright the future could be.
Let’s start with Letourneau. When the Bruins selected him in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, it raised some eyebrows.
A 6-foot-7 center dominating Canadian prep school competition? Skepticism was understandable.
There were real questions about whether his size was masking a lack of high-end skill or if he’d struggle when the playing field leveled out. But this season, Letourneau is flipping that narrative on its head.
He’s not just keeping up-he’s taking over.
Against UNH, Letourneau led the charge with two goals and an assist, showing off the full package that’s got Bruins fans dreaming. He’s getting stronger, skating smoother, and flashing a release that’s already NHL-caliber.
Through 21 games, he’s tallied 12 goals-a pace that speaks volumes about his development. The size is still there, of course, but now it’s paired with skill, touch, and hockey IQ that’s catching up fast.
And then there’s James Hagens. The Bruins' 2025 first-rounder is living up to the hype and then some.
He added a goal and an assist in the win, including a slick helper on one of Letourneau’s tallies. Their chemistry is undeniable-and it’s not just a one-night thing.
These two have been driving the Eagles’ offense all year, and their Hobey Baker Award nominations are a testament to that impact.
Gasseau, now healthy and finding his rhythm, chipped in a goal as well. He’s been quietly effective, averaging a point per game and providing a steady veteran presence among a group of high-upside underclassmen. Don’t sleep on Oliver Moore either-he’s had a solid freshman campaign and continues to grow into his role.
After the win, Boston College head coach Greg Brown didn’t hold back when asked about Letourneau’s emergence. “We tried to tell everyone last year that it’s coming.
Nobody believed us,” he said. There’s a hint of vindication there, and rightfully so.
Brown and his staff saw something others didn’t, and now the rest of the hockey world is catching up.
Looking ahead, Bruins fans should keep a close eye on the upcoming Beanpot tournament at TD Garden on February 2 and 9. It’s not just a marquee college hockey event-it’s a potential preview. Hagens and Letourneau will be front and center on the same ice they could soon call home.
Hagens seems like a strong candidate to sign his entry-level deal once Boston College’s season wraps up. There’s a real possibility he could get a taste of NHL action before the year ends, and maybe even stick around if the Bruins make a playoff push.
Letourneau’s path might be a bit longer. Another year at BC could do wonders for his development, especially with Hagens likely moving on. But whether it’s next season or the one after, he’s trending toward becoming a major piece of the Bruins’ future down the middle.
Bottom line: The Bruins' pipeline is producing, and the center position-so crucial in today’s NHL-is looking more and more like a strength. Hagens and Letourneau are leading the charge, and if Friday night was any indication, Boston fans should be paying close attention to what’s happening over at Conte Forum. The next wave is coming-and it looks legit.