The Boston Bruins steamrolled the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2 on Thursday night, but the convincing win came at a cost as rookie forward James Hagens exited the contest with an apparent lower-back injury.

Hagens left the game early in the third period after Penguins defenseman Samuel Girard landed a cross-check to his lower back. The 20-year-old immediately appeared uncomfortable, holding his back before making his way to the bench to receive medical attention. He subsequently headed down the tunnel and did not return for the remainder of the contest.

James Hagens exited tonight's game after taking this cross-check from Samuel Girard… pic.twitter.com/Bo5w3E5lc8

— NESN (@NESN) November 6, 2026

Before his departure, Hagens had logged 11:57 of ice time across 15 shifts and recorded four shot attempts. The Bruins did not provide an update on his condition after the game.

The injury is a concerning one given the impact Hagens has made during his rookie campaign. He has accumulated six goals and six assists for 12 points in 17 appearances, placing him among the NHL's most productive first-year players. His 12 points lead all rookies, while his six goals are tied for second behind Roman Kantserov, who has scored eight.

Beyond his offensive contributions, Hagens has demonstrated a willingness to contribute defensively. He has amassed 19 blocked shots, ranking fourth among rookies in that category. Five of his six goals have also come from opportunities around the net, showing his effectiveness in high-danger scoring situations.

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Boston has benefited from his contributions on a line alongside Casey Mittelstadt and Elias Lindholm. The trio has produced a plus-five goal differential across 13 games together, making it the Bruins' most effective line during that stretch.

Hagens was selected seventh overall by Boston in the 2025 NHL Draft and is in the second year of his three-year entry-level contract.

The Bruins have two days off before hosting the Florida Panthers at TD Garden on Sunday. With Matthew Poitras also dealing with a nose injury this week, Hagens' condition could become another concern for Boston.