Michael Hage just does what he wants

Michael Hage was the second of the Montreal Canadiens' two first-round selections in the 2024 NHL draft.

With the Canadiens looking to add some firepower for the future, Hage has done a good job of proving his potential. It's like Lane Hutson all over again, with each game he plays, he does something impressive. But he also ends up putting his name on the scoresheet, with an assist or a goal.

The 21st overall selection has seen early success in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team. With seven points in his first five games of college hockey, it's safe to say that Hage has arrived on the scene. Not only has he arrived, he seems to be so comfortable transporting the puck through the neutral zone, and in the offensive zone, he uses his skating to create all the space that he needs to create.

The way he takes the puck and heads to the blueline then circles back and dances around the opposition like some practice pylons is ridiculous. Not only is that not easy, but as a rookie to pull off a move like that shows a ton of confidence. If he messes up that play, the coach might end up stapling him to the bench.

It takes guts and willingness to take risk to become a player who pulls off moves like Hage did. I can't help but compare him to Jack Eichel, such fluid skating and even his posture. With the puck on his stick he weaves around defences and makes goalies look silly.

Could Hage be the centre the Habs need?

Right now, Nick Suzuki is the Canadiens' number one centre and whether that will change in the future is uncertain. But right now, early signs seem indicative that Kirby Dach is more suited to play on the wing instead of at centre. I think you see where I'm going with this, Hage just might be the guy that the Canadiens need down the middle.

Dach is loaded with skill, but I think the freedom of the wing would be perfect for him to thrive. Hage, meanwhile is still developing, but his vision and fluidity with the puck could be an ideal combo for centre corps. When Hage and Ivan Demidov arrive, I expect the top six will see a shakeup.

Whether it be next season or the one after that, the Canadiens are going to add two very promising forwards into the fold. With them, the offensive struggles should decrease. It's a small sample size, but Hage has looked dynamic, and it begs the question, how did he slip to 2