The Leafs’ prospect pool is thin at every position. Besides a select few prospects such as Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten and Dennis Hildeby that project as players that can help at the top of the lineup, the cupboards are bare. With that in mind they need to approach the draft with a best-player-available mentality, but with literally no defense prospects and only Minten as a centre prospect worth speaking of in the system, it’s my hope that the best prospect on the board at #23 will fill one of those positions. If you’re looking for high end skill up the middle, then maybe Michael Hage is your guy.
Michael Hage
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 190lbs
Hage, who is a Mississauga, Ontario native, just completed his second season with the Chicago Steel of the USHL. He managed an impressive 33 goals and 75pts in 56 games for the Steel this year, which lead his team in both categories. His future will see him suit up for the University of Michigan next season, where he’ll continue to round out his game against tougher competition.
Hage is very dangerous off the rush, where he displays great hands and speed. He backs defenders up due to the risk of being beaten to the outside being so prominent. Not only does he play the game at a high pace, but he has the hands to make plays while at full speed. Forcing defenders to give him room, he uses his edges and vision, which are both above average, to cut through lanes and create dangerous scoring chances for his team. His shot isn’t the hardest but it’s accurate and it’s that accuracy that makes him a threat to both score and set up plays. He has a good frame at 6’1″ 190lbs and will only get bigger and stronger, which should make his transition to the college level and eventually the NHL that much smoother. All of that, combined with his competitive nature should see him drafted in the later part of the 1st round or possibly the early 2nd round.
Even at 6’1″ 190lbs, Hage needs to fill out and add strength. That strength will improve the power behind his shot, which is something he’ll need to work on if he wants to continue to score goals at a high rate at higher levels. Lastly, while he is a two-way centre he’ll have to continue to work on his defensive reads. He transitions from defense to offense quickly when he’s on his game, but more consistency in his defensive game will help his stock rise.
Hage projects to be a 2nd or 3rd line two-way centre at the NHL level that can be trusted in all situations. Whichever team takes him off the board will certainly be happy with this selection.