The Montreal Canadiens made headlines at the 2024 NHL Draft when they selected Michael Hage with the 21st overall pick—a move that many are now calling one of the steals of the draft. While some experts had projected Hage to go earlier, Montreal’s front office wasted no time in snapping up the talented right-handed center, fresh off a breakout season with the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA.

Since then, Hage’s stock has only continued to rise, with insiders suggesting that if he were part of the 2025 draft class, he’d be in serious contention for a top-10 selection. This unexpected turn of events has generated a wave of excitement and optimism among Canadiens fans, who are eager to see how Hage’s development will shape the team’s future.

The decision to select Hage is being hailed as a masterstroke by general manager Kent Hughes and executive vice president Jeff Gorton, both of whom have demonstrated a keen eye for emerging talent. As speculation swirls about potential trades and the Canadiens’ plans for their upcoming first-round picks, all eyes are on Hage and the pivotal role he could play in Montreal’s quest to return to NHL prominence.

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

We can say that the Montreal Canadiens got lucky by selecting Michael Hage 21st overall in the 2024 draft.

Several experts expected him to go a bit earlier, so Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton didn’t hesitate long before picking the right-handed center, who just had an excellent season with the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA.

That said, as reported by the site DansLesCoulisses, if Michael Hage were part of the 2025 draft class, he would be selected much earlier than 21st overall.

At least, that’s what insider Marco D’Amico stated during the podcast The Shaun Starr Show.

Great move by the Montreal Canadiens: Michael Hage would be very close to a top-10 pick as of today

That’s excellent news!

“Hage would be very close to the top-10 in this summer’s draft.”
– Marco D’Amico

We recommend the full episode, but that was definitely a standout moment.

D’Amico also praised the Canadiens organization for landing a prospect whose value has significantly risen over the past few months.

As we know, the Canadiens hold the 16th and 17th overall picks in the upcoming draft, and some fans hope Hughes and Gorton will use one of those selections to acquire a much-needed top-six forward.

And what if Michael Hage were involved in a trade along with one of those first-round picks?

That option has been considered several times by many experts, but the fact that the 19-year-old has decided to play another year at the collegiate level could deter some teams from acquiring him.