Three Bruins Prospects Earn Hobey Baker Nods - and They’re Just Getting Started
BOSTON - The Boston Bruins’ pipeline is looking more promising by the day, and if you needed more proof, look no further than the latest Hobey Baker Award nominee list.
Three Bruins prospects - James Hagens, Dean Letourneau, and Ryan Walsh - have been named to the prestigious watchlist for the top player in NCAA Division I men’s hockey. And while the Hobey Baker is known for spotlighting elite talent, it’s not just about goals and assists. The award honors character, leadership, and community impact - and these three are checking every box.
Let’s break down why each of these young Bruins is turning heads.
James Hagens: Talent on the Ice, Heart in the Community
Hagens is already making a name for himself on the ice - and beyond it. The 19-year-old winger is leading Boston College in points this season with 21 (10 goals, 11 assists) through 18 games.
That puts him right on pace with his impressive freshman year, where he tallied 37 points in 37 games. Now a sophomore and the Bruins’ seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Hagens has taken on a bigger role, skating on BC’s top line and showing the kind of poise and offensive instincts that made him a top-10 pick.
But what really sets Hagens apart is what he’s doing off the ice. He’s also a nominee for the 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award, thanks to his work with “Hagens’ Helpers,” a charitable initiative he launched in partnership with Feeding America.
The program kicked off ahead of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and focuses on providing food assistance to families in need. It’s the kind of leadership that NHL teams dream about - a player who not only produces but uplifts.
Dean Letourneau: From Quiet Freshman to Breakout Sophomore
Letourneau’s sophomore leap has been one of the more compelling storylines in college hockey this season. After a quiet freshman campaign where he notched just three assists in 36 games, the 19-year-old forward has flipped the script.
Through 20 games, he’s leading Boston College in goals with 11 and has racked up 20 points overall. That kind of jump doesn’t happen by accident - it’s the result of hard work, confidence, and a growing comfort level with the college game.
The Bruins saw something in Letourneau when they took him 25th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and now that potential is coming into focus. He’s been centering BC’s second line, using his size and vision to control play and create scoring chances. He’s not just scoring more - he’s playing with purpose, driving the net, and making the kind of impact that wins games.
Ryan Walsh: Leading by Example at Cornell
While Hagens and Letourneau are making noise at BC, Ryan Walsh is quietly putting together a strong season of his own at Cornell. The 22-year-old junior is captaining the Big Red and leading the team in points with 18 (six goals, 12 assists) through 17 games. He’s been anchoring the top line at center and showing the kind of two-way game that coaches love.
Walsh was a sixth-round pick by the Bruins back in 2023, and he’s steadily developed into a reliable, well-rounded forward. His leadership role at Cornell speaks volumes - he’s trusted in all situations, and his teammates follow his lead. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective, and that kind of consistency is gold at the next level.
What’s Next?
The Hobey Baker field is deep - 87 players made the preliminary list - but only 10 will move on to the next round of voting in March. The winner will be announced in April, after the Frozen Four.
For now, Hagens, Letourneau, and Walsh have already made a statement: the Bruins’ future is in good hands. Whether it’s Hagens’ all-around game and off-ice impact, Letourneau’s breakout scoring touch, or Walsh’s steady leadership, each brings something unique to the table.
And if you're a Bruins fan, you’ve got every reason to be excited. These kids aren’t just prospects - they’re building blocks.