Bold Predictions for Boston College Hockey in 2025-26
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With just 53 days remaining until the puck drops, the Boston College Eagles face a pivotal season following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Despite entering the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed, BC failed to advance past the regional final, falling to Denver – the same team that defeated them in the 2024 NCAA championship game. The Eagles also lost key players to professional opportunities, including forwards Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, and reigning Mike Richter Award winner Jacob Fowler. Here are three bold predictions for the Eagles’ 2025-26 season.
James Hagens Set to Contend for Hobey Baker Award
Sophomore forward James Hagens is poised for a breakout season and a serious run at the Hobey Baker Award. Despite averaging a point per game – 37 points in as many appearances – during his rookie year, Hagens’ arrival at Boston College didn’t immediately meet the exceptionally high expectations that preceded him. Viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Hagens found himself operating in the shadow of previous Hobey Baker finalists Cutter Gauthier and Will Smith.
However, Hagens’ confidence has surged following his selection by the Boston Bruins with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He has publicly committed to returning to BC for the 2025-26 season, prioritizing his development. A Hockey East All-Rookie Team selection, Hagens finished third on the team in points and second in assists with 26. While his 11 goals didn’t dominate the Hockey East landscape, his USNTDP statistics – 39 goals and 63 assists for 102 points in 58 games – demonstrate his offensive potential.
Several factors contributed to his slightly tempered production last season. The increased pace of the college game and a lack of established chemistry with his linemates, who changed frequently, played a role. Unlike the established line of Smith, Leonard, and Perreault that BC head coach Greg Brown inherited, Hagens lacked that pre-existing connection with his teammates. Despite this, his +21 plus-minus rating was among the best for first-year players nationally. With a year of experience and more consistent linemates, Hagens is expected to significantly increase his offensive output and firmly establish himself as a Hobey Baker contender.
BC Won’t Reclaim the No. 1 Ranking
Despite spending considerable time ranked No. 1 during the past two seasons, Boston College is unlikely to consistently hold the top spot in Division I NCAA men’s hockey throughout the 2025-26 season. The departure of Fowler, Leonard, and Perreault creates a significant void in the Eagles’ lineup.
Furthermore, new NCAA legislation allowing players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) to transfer to NCAA programs is expected to increase parity across the nation. Programs like Penn State, which recently signed projected 2026 No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, are poised to challenge traditional powerhouses. Rising Hockey East programs like Providence and Maine, having already faced BC’s formidable offensive rosters in recent seasons, will also present tougher competition.
While BC is welcoming promising young talent like William Moore from the USNTDP, and experienced forwards Andre Gasseau, Oskar Jellvik, Dean Letourneau, and Will Vote, the overall composition of the Eagles’ forward group doesn’t match the firepower of the past two seasons. This shift in talent balance will likely impact BC’s Hockey East record and its standing in the pairwise system used to determine NCAA rankings.
Goaltending Success is Crucial: Jan Korec Must Deliver
Replacing Jacob Fowler, arguably the most decorated goalie in BC program history, is the most significant challenge facing Greg Brown. Fowler earned the 2025 Mark Richter Award and was a semifinalist in 2024, earning Hockey East Goaltender of the Year honors in both seasons. His career numbers – a 57-13-3 record, 10 shutouts, a 1.63 goals-against average, and a .932 save percentage – are exceptional.
Junior Jan Korec, a native of Bratislava, Slovakia, is the frontrunner to take over in net. He has shown promise in limited action, posting a 1.45 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage in five starts. However, his lack of extensive NCAA experience and playoff appearances raises questions about his ability to perform consistently over a full season.
If Korec falters, the Eagles will be relying on junior Alex Musielak and freshman Louka Cloutier, neither of whom have demonstrated significant collegiate potential. Cloutier recorded a 4.05 goals-against average and an 8-18-2 record with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, while Musielak posted a 3.68 GAA and an 8-7 record in the CCHL. The success of the Eagles’ 2025-26 season hinges heavily on Korec’s ability to step up and provide reliable goaltending. For additional news on college hockey, check out On SI’s new college hockey site.
