Michael Hage News: Game-breaker headed to NCAA

Hage was the 21st overall pick by the Canadiens at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

Hage is a high-skill, right-shot center who has size, skill, speed and hockey sense who got off to a sluggish start to his draft season. Last July, his father died in a freak accident. That, and the fact he had played just 13 games the previous season after an injury that required surgery, contributed to a slow start to 2023-24. Hage regained his footing after Christmas, and he put up 51 points in his final 30 games. His game needs development, especially away from the puck, and he'll get it at the University of Michigan come September. Hage has game-breaking skill, and with the right development, he could be among the top pivots who emerge from this draft.