A terrible tragedy has struck a potential future player of the Canadiens

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Elias Edmonson
June 22, 2024 (5:06 PM)

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The name Michael Hage has been linked to the Montreal Canadiens by many experts for the 26th overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Hage, 18, is a prospect on the fringe of the next NHL draft. Expected to be picked in the first round of the upcoming draft, he is known not only for his on-ice achievements but also, and more importantly, for his strength of character, having gone through an extremely challenging year.

A tragedy has struck Michael Hage, one of the top prospects for the 2024 NHL draft

Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, the young forward left home at a young age to join the Chicago Steel in the USHL. In addition to living far from his family and excelling, the young man faced a difficult ordeal last July during a day of celebration that ended with the death of his father, Alain, who drowned during a family gathering.

LNH - Repêchage 2024 : De l'adversité à la tonne pour Michael Hage

«He meant everything to me; he was my role model, someone I turned to throughout my life,» Hage said when interviewed at the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. «With him, everything started with hard work. He was someone who worked hard all his life, and he wanted me to put effort into everything I did.

«His loss has obviously left a huge void in my life.» - Michael Hage

Despite the terrible tragedy, Hage quickly returned to training, aiming not to forget the event but to regain a sense of normalcy.

Hage has faced adversity throughout his young career. Besides being away from his family and the tragic death of his father, he has also had physical challenges. A shoulder injury forced him to end his camp on the first day of his first season with Chicago. However, he came back stronger in his second year, as his coach Mike Garman mentions.

«Many people wouldn't have been able to cope with all of this. We're talking about two very tough blows to endure [his injury and his father's death]. Everyone would have understood if the results hadn't been there, but Michael seemed to get better because of all this. I couldn't have been more impressed with how he handled everything he had to go through.» - Mike Garman

Hage indeed had a remarkable 2023-2024 season. After being limited to 13 games in his first campaign with Chicago, he finished fifth in the USHL in points this season with 75 points, including 33 goals, in 54 games.

His story has touched many people at the recent combine, including Nashville Predators' Quebec scout Jean-Philippe Glaude. In a recent appearance on BPM Sports, he recounted on air (around 7min30sec in the link below) how the meeting between the Predators and the young man went in Buffalo at the beginning of June.

BPM Sports - Les entrevues du Combine: évaluer l'amour du hockey et le désir de gagner

With his strength, perseverance, and leadership (he is the captain of his team), there is no doubt that the team that picks him will have an exceptional player in their ranks. The Canadiens could indeed have a chance to select him, as many predict he will be chosen in the second half of the first round. Perhaps the Montreal club will be lucky enough to see him slip to the 26th spot...

Credit : HABSolumentFan
Une horrible tragédie a bouleversé la vie de Michael Hage

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What should Kent Hughes do with the 26th overall pick, in your opinion?
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Trade it for a player	185	30.4 %
Trade it to move up in the 1st round	319	52.5 %
Trade it to move down	24	3.9 %
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