The Montreal Canadiens have acquired their own Jack Eichel?

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Jim Sullivan
November 14, 2024 (9:20 PM)

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The 2024 draft could very well become a game changer for the Montreal Canadiens' reconstrution, thanks to the selection of two extremely promising young forwards, Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage.

If the fifth overall pick, Ivan Demidov, is impressing in the KHL right now, we can say the same about Michael Hage, who is dominating in his first season in the American college ranks.

During a recent interview with Marco D'Amico, the 18-year-old center remained very humble about his own performances, attributing his success to the excellent work done by his teammates as well as the coaching staff.

"We have a great group of leaders who have helped me adjust [to my new reality]. On the ice, they have helped me manage my time better and that has helped me a lot. The coaching staff has been great for me, explaining their systems and breaking down plays with me. The communication is excellent." - Michael Hage

Even though the Franco-Ontarian was quick to praise his teammates, it is important to understand the importance he has within the Michigan Wolverines, as the team's main offensive asset.

Actually, Michael Hage is clearly the one who generates the most scoring opportunities in offensive territory, whether through simply breathtaking individual maneuvers or through his exceptional vision of the game.

It is not for nothing that number 19 sits at the top of his team's scorers, despite the fact that he missed a game due to injury.

Michael Hage, the Canadiens' next Jack Eichel?

Asked about his own style of play, the Montreal Canadiens prospect mentioned that he draws inspiration from several NHL players to try to improve, constantly adding strings to his bow.

However, he couldn't help but make a comparison with the style of play played by Vegas Golden Knights star forward Jack Eichel, indicating that he gets a lot of inspiration from this player to work on his own game.

"Eichel is a good example. He's creative and pretty big. He's someone I try to model my own game after, but I like the way Eichel plays with the puck and how he can accelerate the pace of a game." - Michael Hage

Let's just say that the Canadiens fans won't be disappointed if Michael Hage manages to become a player with a Jack Eichel's style of play!

The 21st overall pick in the last draft seems rather confident in his own skills, he didn't hesitate to mention that he has the potential to become an offensive center who can play on a team's first two lines.

However, despite his incredible talent, he is fully aware that he will have to work hard if he wants to be successful in the NHL, he who doesn't want to rely solely on his skills to get there.

"I believe I will be the type of offensive center who can play in a top-6 in the NHL. But I know that I won't get there solely thanks to my skills and that it will be a process. I will have to earn it and work every day to get there. Nothing is ever a given in the NHL." - Michael Hage

Wow! We love hearing that statement!

Michael Hage really has a good attitude and he seems mature for an 18-year-old, which is, let's face it, very promising for the future.

Playing his first season in the NCAA, the Michigan Wolverines forward recorded five goals and four assists (9 points) in nine games, finding himself tied with a certain Cole Eiserman.

We highly recommend reading this entire text. Marco D'Amico has done a lot of work to allow Habs fans to learn more about Michael Hage.