What role for Michael Hage in Montreal? | Stenberg v. McKenna

Tony Patoine
What role for Michael Hage in Montreal? | Stenberg v. McKenna
Credit: Getty Images

The Canadiens' last few games have been nothing short of magical, not to mention Michael Hage's performance at the last CMJ.

There are so many points to comment on:

1. The epiphany of Alexandre Texier, the “bionic Frenchman.” Another who only wanted to play in Montreal, a place that seems to be giving new impetus, even new meaning, to his career. And “meaning” always means “motivation.”

2. Jaromir Juraj Slafkovsky's “grand débrouillage Super Écran.” In retrospect, I was right to always consider this one among the club's prospects last summer. Despite having already played 200 games, it was clear that he was far from having reached his ceiling:

If the 60-point mark was already attainable last season, as we've just demonstrated, the 70- or even 80-point mark is certainly possible as early as 2025-2026 at just… 21 years of age!

If that's the case, we'd still be in the same league as Tkachuk and Rantanen at the same age.

But the worst, or best, depending on the situation, is that he could become even more confident as a goal scorer… To be continued!

3. There's also the possibility of a Montembeault-Fowler duo on the horizon. Both goaltenders have been playing well since the holidays. A little return to Laval for Dobes, to play more often and hone his technique, wouldn't do him any harm…

4. Then, of course, what about Lane's “1 point per game, +17” Hutson, who was not retained by Bill Guerin and the American team. Here's what I think: “AhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAhAh.”

There are only two defenders who are currently better than Lane Hutson in the known universe. TWO. Cale Makar and Zack Werenski.

If I can count to two, that would make Lane Hutson the second-best defenseman in the United States.

WTF Bill?

That's right, Guerin didn't want to put Hutson in the path of his new toy, Quinn Hughes…

No matter, there are worse things afoot in our neighbors to the south and in the state of Minnesota these days…

Hage seems to be the “real deal

It's obvious that our eyes were on Michael Hage at the last CMJ.

But it's just as true to say that our gaze wouldn't wander away from Hage at a competition that saw him finish as the leading scorer.

Beyond the points, it was above all the way in which Hage dominated the matches that was impressive.

While we must always be cautious about drawing conclusions from a tournament where 19-year-olds rub shoulders with 17- and 18-year-olds from less-than-stellar nations, Hage simply stood out as THE most dominant player of the tournament.

Not in the beige, flavorless way that helped Ryan Poehling win the MVP award in 2019, with his 8 points in 7 games.

No, Hage did it like a boss.

With a little more luck in the semi-final—including three fewer posts—Hage could almost single-handedly have led Canada into the final game against Sweden. However, let's give a little (a lot) of credit to the Czech goalkeeper, who partially made the save on two of those “posts.”

Hage looked downright NHL, often almost a man among children at the local rink.

There's no way Kent Hughes didn't see the same thing. It's obvious he sees him in Montreal at the end of the season. At least, that's what you get when you read between the lines…

As you can imagine, I'd be VERY surprised if Hage had to go through Laval. Rocket fans had better prepare themselves mentally to mourn his passing. Hage would probably already be Laval's best forward in many respects…

The only minor criticism is his risk-taking and playmaking here and there. At the CMJ, playing with McKenna, he was able to indulge in little fantasies that probably won't work very often in the NHL.

For example, little blind passes into the zone on a backhand spinner, a little too much fantasy in puck control, or the occasional fancy, low-percentage maybe pass instead of a shot…

But nothing, absolutely nothing major, that MSL and his future teammates won't be able to help him correct in the coming years.

So, at this point, only a catastrophe, an injury, a monster trade involving him, or a major surprise would prevent Hage from finishing the season in Montreal.

A flattering comparison…

By the way, Marco D'Amico, whom I like, isn't the first to have compared Hage's style to that of Jack Eichel. Shayne Gaumond did so back in the fall of 2024, and I endorsed his comments in this article.

Today, we'd add that with the pounds of muscle he's added since 2024, Hage looks even more like Eichel: an excellent playmaker with a fluid skating stroke, great reach, supple hands, and a devastating shot.

More modestly, he could also be described as a more talented, creative, and confident Kirby Dach.

In short, Hage will soon be another offensive weapon for the Habs. If he doesn't quickly find a place on the first two lines at center or wing, he could become the future offensive leader of a tough third line.

The probable departures of Laine and Dach in the coming months should allow him to integrate the training at his own (steady) pace.

And, for those who know his story, here's another one for whom playing in Montreal will be a GREAT source of motivation.

Ivar Stenberg or Gavin McKenna?

Speaking of playmakers, Gavin McKenna also looked very, very good in that role at the CMJ. Especially on the powerplay. The British-Columbian was scouting his options before the puck even reached his pad.

Superb chemistry with Hage and Martin on several goals.

14 points, second among all scorers, from Hage.

In terms of statistics, at just 18 years of age (December 20), McKenna really has nothing to be ashamed of.

But…

It was more Hage we saw carrying the puck, setting up and making big five-on-five plays and challenging opposing defenses. McKenna was more the one on the periphery. I would have been curious to see him on a line without Hage.

Like our colleague Max Truman, we also didn't appreciate his play at all in the semi-final against the Czechs. Cruel lack of judgment on his penalty (hit to the face) with only a few minutes left in the game, trailing 4-3.

Not strong.

Questionable attitude?

Child king?

McKenna is still very young, will undoubtedly mature, and we're not taking anything away from his talent. But these questions need to be asked, and scouts need to ask them too.

Meanwhile, Ivar Stenberg, 7 points in 6 games, physically stronger than McKenna, impressed me with his fiery spirit, explosive skating, puck control, instincts, courage, and creativity.

This game in the final is absolutely sensational:

Stenberg seemed to be more of a catalyst on his line than McKenna, who, let's not forget, benefited a LOT from Hage.

Tre Konor's #15 dominates in SHL, Sweden's top league – a professional league far superior to McKenna's NCAA – with his 24 points in 25 games.

For what it's worth, Stenberg was 15 days away from being available at the last draft, having been born on September 30.

But then, he's only three months older than McKenna, so not much of a factor for scouts.

In the coming months, McKenna will have to turn the NCAA upside down and Stenberg will have to hit a wall in the SHL for me to change my mind about them.

For me, the Swede is ahead of McKenna on January 10, 2026.

What about Verhoeff?

Keaton Verhoeff didn't do badly for a 17-year-old defenseman at the WJC. He should have played more, if you ask me.

His passing skills were on display on a number of occasions. But we also saw a slight lack of maturity in his decision-making here and there, particularly in his zone.

Nothing to worry about.

It's not this tournament that will have cost him points in the eyes of scouts, especially those whose optimal organizational choice will be defense next June.

And what about Tomas Galvas?

Named to the tournament's all-star team, Galvas, the Czech “Lane Hutson,” has surely done enough to finally be drafted in 2026 after passing in his first two years of eligibility.

All he has to do is continue to learn from the master!

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