Michael Hage can play center in the NHL, Snake believes

Vincent Larue
Michael Hage can play center in the NHL, Snake believes
Credit: Screenshot/Twitter

Since the 2024 draft, one question keeps coming up when talking about Michael Hage. Will he really be a center in the NHL or will he end up, like many before him, being moved to the wing?

The debate isn't new, but it has resurfaced recently, mainly due to the fact that he's currently placed at center with Gavin McKenna and Brady Martin at the World Junior Championship. When there's a debate surrounding a prospect, Simon “Snake” Boisvert is never far away.

He believes the Canadiens' young prospect has what it takes to play center in the pros.

“I think he can play center, because he's a creative guy who makes great passes – Simon “Snake” Boisvert

The reasoning is sound. The center position is one of the most demanding on the ice.

Reading the game, defensive responsibilities, tempo management, and the ability to get your linemates to produce: these are all qualities that can't be taught easily. You either have it or you don't. And in the case of Michael Hage, it's precisely these elements that stand out in his game.

Since his arrival in the NCAA, Michael Hage has demonstrated exactly what the Snake describes. He plays with calm, creativity, and patience. He doesn't force the play unnecessarily, draws the opposition's coverage, and finds his teammates with precise, often well-timed passes.

It's this kind of profile that enables a center to survive when space tightens and the game speeds up.

According to Simon Boisvert, Hage's impact on his wingers at the University of Michigan is enormous, as demonstrated by Will Horkoff. The latter's fine statistics this season don't come out of nowhere. Horkoff has scored 28 points in 20 games.

Hage facilitates play around him, puts his teammates in advantageous situations, and acts as a real offensive engine, even when he's not directly on the scoresheet.

Of course, the “funnel” of center players is very real. As they move up the ranks, many dominant centers have to accept a different role in order to break into the NHL at this position. But, as the Snake reminds us, very few players are completely immune to a change of position.

In Michael Hage's case, his creativity, vision, and ability to get others to produce give him the edge to stay at center… even at the highest level. This statement will put a smile on the faces of Canadiens fans with a second center position available.


overtime

– Nick Suzuki joins Habs greats for at least 95 points in a calendar year.

– Bad news for the Maple Leafs, Auston Matthew won't play tonight against the Devils due to a lower-body injury.

– Forward William Karlsson will not be available for Team Sweden at the Olympics.

– Brad Marchand receives the golden stick, awarded when a player reaches the 1,000-point plateau in the NHL.

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