The Montreal Canadiens had some insight on Michael Hage that the rest of the National Hockey League were unaware of.
Hage handles the puck with such poise, that he appears ready to make a move a few steps ahead of making it. When he approaches a defender, it's as though his vision and processor have already played out what to do before it ever happens. His strides are explosive and his crossovers allow him to build speed quickly through the neutral zone.
He always has his head up scanning for the next play and his lack of hesitancy renders him extremely difficult to defend against. If I were looking for an NHL comparable, it would undoubtedly be Jack Eichel, and that is not to say that he will reach that level. But the way he handles the puck creates space for himself and opens up defenders with his deceptiveness is familiar.
Then there is his shot, which is accurate and explosive, coming off his blade quickly leaving goalies in a daze. But he also has the one-on-one skill that makes him look like he is a step or two ahead of the competition. I would like to think that the Habs' need for a second line centre should be solved once Hage arrives.
Montreal has many pieces set in place, but Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook's inability to cement themselves as the Canadiens' second-line pivot has left them needing a solution. Ivan Demidov is certainly a solution, but I think that he will be much more dangerous on the wing. Hage, however, looks comfortable down the middle and his brilliant skating will ensure that he can keep pace on the backcheck, should he need to.
Hage entered the University of Michigan versus Penn State game with a 5-4-9 stat line through nine games. The Mississauga, Ontario native scored his fifth goal and tenth point of the season, maintaining his point per game pace to start his freshman season. It's only nine games and one period into his first NCAA season, but he looks like sure bet top six centre.
Goalscorer or playmaker?
With five goals and five assists to start the season, Hage looks like a well-balanced medium between passer and shooter. His shooting is deceptive and explosive, and he masks it well because of his patience with the puck on his stick. But he is also a very good playmaker, who thrives on the rush; utilizing the give-and-go to burn defenders.
In space, he is difficult to contain because as soon as the opposition thinks they have him figured out, he problem-solves on the fly. Hage has the skills and anticipation to evade defenders, and when he finds space, the speed at which he processes plays is lightning-quick. His willingness to shoot the puck, and attack open space without hesitation should make him a perfect addition to the Habs forward core when he is ready.