Michael Hage's Coach Discusses NCAA Success and Hints at Timeline for Joining the Canadiens
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Many are eagerly awaiting the arrival of young Michael Hage in the Montreal Canadiens organization. According to the Canadiens' Player Development Director, Rob Ramage, and Hage's current head coach in the NCAA, Brandon Naurato, it is not something to expect anytime soon.
Thanks to the words of Guillaume Lepage from the NHL website , we understand that patience will be required in Michael Hage's case.
His trip to Ann Arbor to meet Hage allowed the journalist to write two excellent articles about the Canadiens' prospect.
A scorching rookie season for Michael Hage in the NCAA
In his first season in the NCAA, Hage is drawing significant attention.
Beyond his 11 goals and 24 points in 21 games, it's his hockey sense that stands out as most impressive.
We must not forget that Hage is only 18 years old, and he is playing against much older players.
Despite this, Hage wasn't even considered for the Canadian Junior Team for the last World Championship.
Given the results of Canada in that competition and Hage's achievements in the NCAA, one might wonder if the Canadiens' management is starting to regret that decision..
Don't rush Hage's development despite his strong results
During his visit to Michigan, Lepage had the opportunity to meet with the Montreal Canadiens' Player Development Director, Rob Ramage.
Ramage admitted to being impressed with Hage's start in the NCAA and is very fond of the person he is.
However, Ramage puts the brakes on those who want to see the prospect with the Canadiens as soon as next season, given the considerable leap he still has to make.
"I like to see them conquer the level they're playing at so that when they feel ready, they're truly ready. The NHL is not a developmental league.
We did that in Montreal in recent years, a bit out of necessity because we had a young group."
- Rob Ramage
We did that in Montreal in recent years, a bit out of necessity because we had a young group."
- Rob Ramage
Hage's head coach with the Michigan Wolverines shares a similar view to Ramage on this matter.
We can see in his comments that a second season in the American collegiate league would be beneficial for him.
"He's been a difference-maker for us, he's scored big goals," says his coach Brandon Naurato.
"He's doing very well in terms of production.
But he's not dominating the games.
Ryan Leonard dominates the games.
Lane Hutson, last year, dominated the games.
That's the next step for Michael."
"Will it be in the second half of the season or next year?
I'm not sure."
- Brandon Naurato
"He's doing very well in terms of production.
But he's not dominating the games.
Ryan Leonard dominates the games.
Lane Hutson, last year, dominated the games.
That's the next step for Michael."
"Will it be in the second half of the season or next year?
I'm not sure."
- Brandon Naurato
Michael Hage himself advocates for patience
Like Ramage and Naurato, Hage himself does not seem in a rush to make the leap.
In a recent interview with Arpon Basu for The Athletic, it became clear that the 18-year-old may very well play another season in the NCAA.
While it's disappointing to think that Hage might only arrive with the Canadiens in two years, it speaks volumes about the maturity of the young man.
He could have easily leveraged his success to head straight for the money, but he doesn't want to rush his development.
So, there's no need to rush his arrival with the main team, especially if Hage himself doesn't feel ready yet.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 25 | 1950 ANSWERS Michael Hage's Coach Discusses NCAA Success and Hints at Timeline for Joining the Canadiens What is Michael Hage's ceiling in the NHL? | ||
| 40 point player/3rd line C | 358 | 18.4 % |
| 50 point player/2nd or 3rd line C | 624 | 32 % |
| 65 point player/2nd line C | 715 | 36.7 % |
| 75+ point player/Star player | 253 | 13 % |
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