Stronger than ever: a prospect linked to the Habs has lived through tragedies

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David St-Jean
June 23, 2024 (3:09 PM)

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We are looking forward to the Canadiens' 5th overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft, but let's not forget that Kent Hughes has another first-round pick.

Indeed, the 26th overall pick, originally from the Winnipeg Jets and acquired in the Sean Monahan trade, could also be valuable, and a young man is linked to the organization.

Michael Hage, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, finished 5th in scoring in the USHL this season with 75 points, including 33 goals, in 54 games. This is impressive, especially considering everything he has gone through.

For a young man, moving away from his family and friends is a big step. Hage left his family to join the Chicago Steel in the USHL.

At his first camp, he suffered a severe shoulder injury and played only 13 games that season. To add to this, he lost his father, who drowned during a family gathering last July.

"He meant everything to me; he was my role model, someone I looked up to my entire 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

It would have been understandable if he returned less prepared to the last training camp, but the opposite happened, as explained by his coach.

"Many people wouldn't have been able to cope with all that. We're talking about two very hard blows [his injury and the loss of his father]. Everyone would have understood if the results weren't there, but Michael seemed to get better because of it. I couldn't have been more impressed by the way he handled everything he went through." - Mike Garman

We see a lot of resilience in this young man, who is expected to be drafted in the second half of the first round. He was named captain of his team, a unanimous choice.

If he is still available at the 26th pick and, of course, Hughes hasn't traded the pick, he would fit perfectly with what the organization wants in both an individual and a player.

So don't be surprised to hear his name if he is available when the Canadiens are up for the 26th pick next Friday.

Source : Habsolumentfan.com
Une horrible tragédie a bouleversé la vie de Michael Hage