Michael Hage is a player who could be on the Vegas Golden Knights' radar at pick 19 in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Michael Hage is a player who could be on the Vegas Golden Knights' radar at pick 19 in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Born on Apr. 14, 2006, the 18-year-old is listed at 6'1 and 190 lbs. Hage played the past two seasons with the Chicago Steel and continuously improved this year.
After playing 54 games this season with the Steel, Hage finished the year with 33 goals and 75 points. It was the fourth most points by any USHL player and the sixth most goals. His first season with the Steel was cut short due to a torn labrum allowing him to play in just 13 games.
Hage is a right-handed centreman who plays hockey at a high speed mixing his quickness and skill effortlessly. He's excellent at creating offence off of the rush, using his speed to back defenders off and then allowing his creativity to generate chances. His quick hands make him an excellent playmaker and he also uses his hands to disguise his release. His shot will become deadlier once he adds strength to it.
In the offensive zone, Hage uses his elite edge work to give himself time and space. Once he generates that time and space, he uses a plethora of passing techniques to set up his teammates in the slot.
The Mississauga native has all the tools to be an elite offensive player in the NHL but his inconsistency with his work ethic and defensive game is why he is lower on draft boards.
Hage will be heading to the University of Michigan next year where he'll be joining a talented team with NHL prospects like Rutger McGroarty, Nick Moldenhauer and Ethan Edwards. After losing Frank Nazar, Gavin Brindley and Dylan Duke, the Wolverines will need a skilled centre like Hage.
Similar to Ryder Ritchie, if the Golden Knights draft Hage he'll immediately become their most skilled prospect. He'll need time to develop and round out his game at Michigan and then likely with the Henderson Silver Knights but he is a player worth the time and effort.
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