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What Michael Hage's new move could mean for his Canadiens development
Michael Hage, an important Montreal Canadiens prospect in the NCAA, is currently experiencing a position change that is drawing a lot of attention.
Since the start of the college season, Michael Hage has been impressing with his offensive talent. I've watched several of his games, and I find that he is truly an explosive player.
He produces, he creates plays, and he really seems to be finding his place in the NCAA.
But over the past few games, the Michigan program's coach decided to remove him from center and use him on the wing.
In my opinion, this is not a small detail... and it's getting reactions.
Michael Hage removed from center in the NCAA with the Wolverines
Indeed, according to information reported by Marco D'Amico on RG, Hage was moved to the wing on a line alongside T.J. Hughes and William Horcoff.
One main reason? He needs to play harder...
"To be effective at center, he has to play hard. When the games get tighter and space becomes harder to find, he'll need to be tougher to play against. It's about knowing how to create [offense]," said the coach in an interview with the site RG.org.
It's about showing more physicality down low; and to do that, you have to have the right body build to dominate at this level. He came back in great shape, and now he's got to add that to his game."
- Brandon Naurato via RG
It's about showing more physicality down low; and to do that, you have to have the right body build to dominate at this level. He came back in great shape, and now he's got to add that to his game."
- Brandon Naurato via RG
Hage is showing only about 47% efficiency this season, and even less in games against stronger teams.
In some games, he won only 14% of his faceoffs.
From there, the coach decided to give the center position to other players, mainly to have more stability on faceoffs.
That doesn't mean Hage is no longer seen as a center in his development.
I think it simply means he still has to work on that part of his game if he wants to play that position at the pro level.
Meanwhile, we're seeing other Canadiens prospects, like Alexander Zharovsky in the KHL, doing the opposite and earning more responsibility at center.
So yes, it invites comparison...
But there's no need to panic! Hage continues to produce offensively.
He's not playing less.
He's simply playing on the wing.
And that can really influence his path.
For me, this is not bad news.
It's just a reminder that his progression won't be perfect or completely straightforward.
There will be adjustments.
What matters is how he responds to this.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 10 | 630 ANSWERS What Michael Hage's new move could mean for his Canadiens development Do you think Michael Hage should stay on the wing for now? | ||
| Yes | 383 | 60.8 % |
| No | 247 | 39.2 % |
| List of polls | ||