Looking at draft prospect Michael Hage
The Vegas Golden Knights hold the 19th pick in the NHL Draft. They must stock up on young talent, which is where Michael Hage comes in.
"With the 19th pick in the NHL Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights select..."
...Some name that will be said by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Yes, this sounds extremely vague and cliche. After all, first-round picks haven't lasted long in Las Vegas, with such picks being shipped out for better players. For example, Tomas Hertl was acquired in March, with former first-round pick, David Edstrom, being sent to the San Jose Sharks. Edstrom was the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 draft, picked to add more depth at center.
However, one draft prospect hopes to buck that trend. His name is Michael Hage and he's a center for the Chicago Steel. The native of Mississauga, Ontario, might be a good fit for the Golden Knights as the 19th overall pick. There's even a possibility he doesn't get traded for a premier player at the trade deadline.
While other casualties of Vegas's trades include Zach Dean (drafted 30th overall in 2021, traded to St. Louis for Ivan Barbashev) and Peyton Krebs (drafted 17th overall in 2019, traded to Buffalo for Jack Eichel), Hage might be a different case. His skill set might be what the doctor ordered for the Golden Knights, making them better at the forward position. With his specialty being on offense, he could provide a big boost for Vegas at the forward position.
Still, it's worth examining what the potential draft pick could bring to the Vegas Golden Knights. There are numerous questions lying with Hage if he's selected with the 19th pick. Could he be a key piece in the Golden Knights's future plans? If so, where would he fall into the Golden Knights's lineup? Here's an in-depth look at Michael Hage and what he could provide for Vegas if he's picked.
1. Michael Hage's Profile
Michael Hage isn't the biggest player on the ice. He stands at 6'1" and weighs in at 190 lbs., making him lean and mean. But other qualities make him stand out, including his speed, intelligence, and agility. Hage can easily dodge defenders and break away, setting himself up for prime scoring opportunities. In essence, he's a lighter Ivan Barbashev, only he's trading physicality for speed.
With his speed comes a knack for skating, making his breakout ability even deadlier. With his puck control and hands, he can become an offensive force on the Vegas Golden Knights. The 18-year-old uses his intelligence to fool opposing goaltenders, deceiving them with various shot types.
Pavel Dorofeyev is a similar player, being a quick, offensive force. He had a breakout year for the Golden Knights, scoring 13 goals this regular season. How so? By having excellent puck control and using ridiculous moves to fool defenders. Hage has the potential to do the same, creating havoc through the neutral zone with his hands and speed.
Hage had 33 goals and 42 assists in 54 games with the Chicago Steel this season, turning him into an offensive threat. But perhaps his greatest year came in 2021-22, where he dominated the U16 AAA league with his youth team, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. Here, he scored 46 goals and notch 70 assists in 57 games, putting himself on the radar for NHL scouts.
2. How Hage fits with the Vegas Golden Knights
For one, Michael Hage's offensive capabilities are solid. His playmaking abilities are tough to defend, making him a threat to score. The 18-year-old has the potential to play on the second line, acting as an important offensive piece for the Vegas Golden Knights. For a team void of any forward depth, he can develop into a key component on the Golden Knights offensively.
But there are a few things the forward can do to improve his game. For one, he can improve his defensive game and put his body on the line every play. Whether it's battling for every puck or blocking shots, he must become involved more in the hockey game. Head coach Bruce Cassidy loves forwards that play a 200-ft. game, which Hage can become if he can improve his defense.
That also coincides with becoming bigger and more physical. Ivan Barbashev threads this needle perfectly, laying out hits on the ice while coming up with breakaways. Being physical and creating numerous scoring opportunities has earned him the distinction of being on the first line with Jack Eichel. For Hage, adding some mass and improving his physicality can make him a more dynamic player. That's especially true on the forecheck, which is where the Golden Knights forge their identity.
3. The verdict on Michael Hage
Michael Hage can become a great player for the Vegas Golden Knights if selected with the 19th overall pick. His offensive potential makes him valuable in every facet, for he can generate numerous scoring opportunities by himself. Whether it's by his speed or skating ability, the Mississauga native knows how to break through and score.
He has second-line potential, with his scoring capabilities and speed alone. However, he must improve his defense and become more engaged in the hockey game. Putting his body on the line and fighting for more pucks will help him grow on a hockey team, especially if he's selected by the Golden Knights.
Still, players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Ivan Barbashev have similar styles to Hage and have thrived under Bruce Cassidy. In a forecheck-heavy lineup, having pure scoring capabilities has a niche on the Golden Knights. Just ask Jonathan Marchessault, who's seeking a good extension and a return to Vegas.
In conclusion, Michael Hage would be a decent fit for the Vegas Golden Knights. If he can put on some bulk and become more involved on the ice, the center can become a key component of Vegas's future plans with the 19th pick. The Golden Knights need bodies at forward, and Hage might be the person for the job.
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