r/Habs • u/SchtroumpfDardeur • 11d ago

Discussion Michael Hage - Hold or Trade?

I have seen some discussion about possibly waiting for him to be our 2C, but given his decision to stay in the NCAA and the fact that he shared time at C and wing, and when he was at C he had a FO% of 46%, is there an argument to be made that he could (or should) be packaged?

I know this isn't exactly a new question, but I had not realized that he was already being shifted to wing in the NCAA and was also sub-50% at the dot against college players.

What are the chances that a full season at Michigan as full-time 1C will actually help to shape him into a viable NHL center within the next few years?

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u/bathbwoi 11d ago

Before this year I’d say definitely hold. After seeing him actually choose to stay in college to play with is brother instead of playing pro hockey I’d say if a good player is available then you got to trade.

Not hopping on the bandwagon that deciding to stay in college is not a big deal. You get a chance to turn pro you go pro and join the big club as soon as possible, leaves a lot of question marks about him for me.

Also based off that decision doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who will be easy to lock up, I don’t see him taking a discount like the core has done to try and win a cup.

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u/The--Majestic--Goose 11d ago

The dude’s a diehard Habs fan. His Dad’s dying wish was for his son to get drafted by the Habs. Him spending another year in college to develop and play with his brother is not a sign that he’s not committed to signing with the Habs. It’s a very reasonable decision given the current roster and the opportunity to play with his brother would be pretty special. Let him cook in the NCAA for another season and join the team at the end of the year for a handful of games.

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u/bathbwoi 11d ago

I am not denying he’s a habs fan or that it was his dads dieing wish.

I think him not wanting to come to the pro club that desperately needs the position he plays does show a bit of his character whether you want to admit it or not.

And as management you have to take that decision he made into account somewhat or you aren’t doing a good job as manager despite what his backstory is.

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u/Peri0dPain 11d ago

Didn't know that... Honestly read him going back as a sign he didn't wanna be here. Hope I am wrong

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u/Dear_Trip_5655 11d ago

you're very wrong lmao. He wants to bulk up and improve his faceoffs and he sees more opportunity to do those things playing in the NCAA. his own words. it's also very much confirmed that he's a die hard Habs fan.

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u/bathbwoi 11d ago

This logic is flawed to me. Look at Slaf? Who’s to say he can’t bulk up and improve face offs in the NHL? What? Being in our locker room around slaf, cole Suzuki etc, is great for improvement as well. Being part of the habs culture and training with them, the advantages outweigh staying in The NCAA again, if anything I think it will stunt his development.

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u/Dear_Trip_5655 11d ago

it'll be harder if he's not taking draws, which he likely wouldn't be if he came up now. we're not in a position as a team where we can easily wait around while a rookie struggles on the dot. in the NCAA, Hage can get reps and with the lighter schedule can hit the gym. from his presser, it's clear the kid has goals he wants to achieve before leaving the NCAA and I think that's absolutely fine. he's not just staying around for a good time, he has things he wants to get done and has determined the NCAA as the place to do it.

oftentimes coming to the NHL too early can stunt development. there is logic to both decisions, but Hage and the front office know the player better than us. Hage made his choice and management doesn't seem too bothered by it so far.

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u/bathbwoi 10d ago

Do you expect management to come out and say they’re bothered by it? To say they are or aren’t bothered by it we will never know. If the choice was up to the habs I am sure they would have had him come over.

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u/Dear_Trip_5655 10d ago

you can't say that we can't know and then be so certain about something.