Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes may have secured a valuable, NHL-ready talent in Michael Hage, according to scouts. While Ivan Demidov, another first-round pick, grabbed headlines, Hage is also gaining attention for his early success. The 18-year-old forward, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, was selected 21st overall in 2024 and is already making waves in the NCAA with the University of Michigan, demonstrating impressive scoring abilities and on-ice intelligence.
Hage’s face-off skills are a standout feature, addressing an area where the Canadiens, especially players like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, have faced challenges. Scouts, including Grant McCagg, suggest that Hage has NHL potential, though he still needs to add physical strength to reach his full capability.
With promising development, Hage could play a key role as the Canadiens’ future second-line center, offering a much-needed solution at this position. Support in Michigan and high expectations from the Canadiens signal that Hage’s path to the NHL could be swift, positioning him as a potential core player for the franchise.
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