Michael Hage would score goals with Canada

The Montreal Canadiens have only Rasmus Bergqvist representing the organization at the World Junior Championship, but I'd argue there should be at least one more.

Watching Canada struggle to find offence, after leaving some highly skilled offensive forwards and defensemen off the team is frustrating. If the fans are frustrated watching it, surely you'd assume that the players aren't having a great time. Whether it's favouring one player over another, the roster is lacking in areas that they don't need to be.

I think this may ruffle some feathers, but Toronto Maple Leafs 2023 first-round pick Easton Cowan has been eating up minutes but providing very little. I would argue that Ottawa 67's captain Luca Pinelli has been riding on the second line, but more as a passenger.

Leaving guys like Michael Misa and Beckett Sennecke off the roster is questionable, both are talented goal-scorers. Another one that really gets me is Michael Hage not even being invited, if you want to win you take the best players. Then there is the blueline debacle.

Putting all the eggs in one basket with Matthew Schaefer was a poor decision because they aren't looking so hot with him done for the tournament. Aside from Sam Dickinson of the London Knights, the defence lacks a true offensive catalyst. Imagine having a left-shot and right-shot defensemen at your disposal and ignoring that fact.

Zayne Parekh, the Calgary Flames 2024 ninth overall selection and Carter Yakemchuk, the Ottawa Senators 2024 seventh overall pick, combined for 63 goals during the 2023-2024 campaign. Both were overlooked and having them on either side of the blueline for power plays would have elevated Team Canada. I honestly think that they would be the most lethal team in the tournament.

it's little decisions that hurt Canada right now, some that can be addressed - line combinations and being more disciplined. I think that Gavin McKenna should be the most utilized forward, and Porter Martone shouldn't sit another game. If Canada wants to get back into it will be important to give your best offensive players time to create.

Not picking certain players was obviously a mistake, but no sense in losing sleep over it. The guys that are there are the ones that will be relied on. But Hage, Misa and Sennecke would have been awfully nice pieces up front.

Hage pick continues to impress

Looking at the top draft-eligible forwards for the upcoming draft competing at the World Juniors, I haven't seen a centremen who looks better than Hage. Other than McKenna, James Hagens, and the rest of the American's top line, I would argue that there are no other forwards in the tournament on Hage's level.

Getting him at the back half of the first round at the 2024 NHL Draft was massive, and I think will impact the Habs' offence for a long time. I am confident in his skill and potential, I believe he will become a core piece for the Habs quickly. I believe adding another high-end forward is necessary for the Canadiens, but I wouldn't be mad if they had a shot at Schaefer and took him.

I have heard comparison's to Scott Niedermayer, and the things he was doing for Canada were ridiculous. Passing on that kind of talent could haunt a franchise for many years. He, and McKenna were the caged young phenoms for Canada, and they will be massive additions on an NHL roster over the next two seasons.

Let's see what Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook can do with the rest of their season, if one of them can become a top-six piece, the Habs will be in a good place. Ivan Demidov will be in the mix next season, and if Patrik Laine sticks around, the second line is pretty well set. I think Hagens or Martone could be argued, but if Schaefer is there you take him.

I also like Misa, I think he will become an important offensive piece for an NHL club.