When Michael Hage was drafted 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens at the 2024 draft, he was listed as a 6-foot-1 and 188-pound center. A year later, after playing a year in the NCAA at the University of Michigan, he has put on a couple of pounds, and according to The Gazette’s Stu Cowan, the prospect will be hitting the gym hard this Summer under the supervision of the Michigan strength coach.
The Canadiens realized in the playoffs that they needed more size up front, and they have big hopes for the 19-year-old, and if he pans out, he would slot in behind Nick Suzuki in the Habs’ center depth chart.
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Hage’s first season with the Wolverines was a successful one; he posted 34 points in 33 games and was named the rookie of the year in the Big 10. Cohan spoke to Rob Rassey, Michigan’s associate coach, who told him he believes Hage will be a different player come next season, given all the work he’s been putting in the gym.
Rassey also believes Hage has top-six potential in the NHL, although he warns it won’t happen overnight, meaning the Canadiens will need to be patient. This is why it could make sense for the Habs to explore signing a veteran second-line center on the free agent market.
If the Canadiens are in a hurry, however, Hage could be an attractive piece to add to a trade for a second-line center, Mason McTavish, anyone? Although the fact that the Anaheim Ducks just traded Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers may make them less likely to move another pivot, since that’s what they were using Zegras as.
With the draft fast approaching, though, don’t expect the trade rumours to die down around the Canadiens. Kent Hughes was active in his first three drafts, and there’s no reason to believe this one will be any different.
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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