MICHAEL HAGE

2025-05-28

Scout: Grant Campbell

Skating:

He has a decent first few strides and a slightly above average top speed. He's very strong on his skates and protects the puck well. He's very agile, which allows him to change directions quickly and beat defenders one on one.

Passing/Handling:

He possesses pretty slick hands in tight but can be guilty of overhandling the puck at times. He can usually beat the first defender but occasionally loses control by the second or third. He has a lot of 'almost' great plays. Passing is a strength as he finds seams and open players with ease.

Shooting:

Hage has a good snap shot, but should be a pass first player as he progresses, unless he really improves his shot. He's a much better passer than shooter.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Hage has very good vision to get passes through to teammates and he picks up defensive assignments well. He likes to be the forward to carry the puck, so shows good poise when with it in his own end. He has a lot of patience with the puck in the OZ.

Forechecking:

He can be physical, but not often. He's strong on the puck and he's got good balance and strength so can be effective along the boards, but it's not his game at this point.

Defense:

His defensive positioning is a bit of a work in progress, but he's a very responsible forward. He rarely gets caught cheating the zone or getting caught too deep in the OZ.

Best Asset:

His passing, handling of the puck and defensive responsibility. None of them are elite, but the combination should work for Hage to play in the NHL.

Biggest Concern:

That his hands don't catch up to the increased pace of the AHL and NHL. He shows flashes of excellent puck handling, but will he be consistent enough to warrant a top-six role at a higher level?

Top Tier/Role Potential:

A 2nd or 3rd line center, who sees time on the first or second unit of the PP.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

He's versatile on the PP and can play three or four different roles if needed. He has enough offense to justify an extended look and see if he can produce at the next levels. He's only 19 still and has just one year of college hockey under his belt.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

3rd line center or winger, who sees time on the second unit of the PP

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

I believe Hage has a pretty good floor, but his floor and ceiling are pretty close together.

Stylistic Comparable:

He reminds of Jason Spezza a little. He probably doesn't have the offensive ceiling of Spezza, but his skating style and stick handling have a similar feel.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

If his hands catch up to his brain, he could be something special for Montreal. He can usually beat the first defender but if he starts to beat two or three players on a consistent basis, watch out.

Games Scouted:

11/01/24 BU; 1/11/25 Notre Dame; 2/15/25 Minnesota

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2024-10-28

Scout: Tony

Skating:

Hage's skating can be dynamic, he has speed and knows when to cut in to get a chance off the rush.

Passing/Handling:

Passing and Handling seem to be well above average, ability to find open teammates and move puck side to side to get around defenders and get a shot off

Shooting:

Shooting is excellent quick accurate and lethal, it doesn't take long to get the shot away and it usually find the net

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Hage's vision and anticipation is very good on the offensive side of the game, defensive side is a little lacking. Again his poise is better in the offensive zone, defensive zone was sometimes and adventure

Forechecking:

I did witness some forechecking, it will something he needs to work on.

Defense:

Like most players at this stage defense is a secondary, there is more stick work and not a lot of body checking or good positional play

Best Asset:

Hage's shot is far and away the best asset the he possess, hard, deceptive and accurate

Biggest Concern:

A little shy about contact and lack of a defensive game, I do not see a lot of BASH

Top Tier/Role Potential:

I could Hage a a Tier 1, The offense (shot) could see top 6 role with number 1 power play role.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Hage's shot and vision should help him obtain top offensive game.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 3, A third or 4th liner, with spot duty on 2 power play

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

He shot will give a chance to make it on to 2nd power play, but with out more BASH and more work on defensive side, probably minimal ice time

Stylistic Comparable:

I would say he reminds me of Quinton Byfield.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

I think Hage could be a top tier player as far as offense is concerned, he will need to work more in his own zone to be an all around player.

Games Scouted:

2 USHL Games