Bruins may need to give James Hagens a bigger role sooner than expected

Causeway Crowd's Nate Duffett argues that the Boston Bruins should expand rookie James Hagens' role by shifting him from third-line wing to center. Hagens is currently on pace for 30 goals and 30 assists, and Duffett suggests an upcoming matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks presents an ideal opportunity to test him at center following two consecutive losses.

Duffett notes that unresolved contract extension talks with Pavel Zacha and the Bruins' absence from Dylan Larkin's reported trade list increase the necessity of evaluating Hagens at center. The writer contends that moving Hagens and Fraser Minten into top-six center responsibilities could safeguard the team's long-term lineup flexibility.