Prospect Info: [2024 - 21st] Michael Hage, Chicago Steel (USHL), Committed to U of Michigan

[Whalers Fan]

He's there for 4 years unless we sign him before that, which is the norm for players going the NCAA route.

As far as signing Hage before the season is over, well, I mean no disrespect but I really think that it would be too soon and would be a mistake.

I really like Hage's game overall, and he HAS shown good progression from January 2024 to now. But I feel that two years in the NCAA would do wonders for his development, like it did for Caufield and Hutson more recently.

Hage still needs to get much stronger physically, get better/more active along the boards, refine his reads even more off-the-puck, and better himself defensively if he wants to be a long-term top-6 center.

The NCAA is a step below the AHL but still a good league to refine defensive play in given how much more structured the game is there as opposed to the CHL. Then you add-in the fact that it's also the perfect place for him to bulk-up with more gym time and less games than any other NA league, and Michigan's training facilities are world-class to boot.

So yeah, it's a no-brainer for me to have Hage stay at least two years there. At least, that's how I feel right now.

But if Hage shows development throughout the year and shows amazing performance after amazing performance for the Wolverines this season then we would need to re-evaluate him of course.

Just, barring that meteoric rise as a prospect that I've described, I'd still prefer if we took our time a bit.

Agreed. I think the plan with Hage will be similar to that of Caufield and Hutson - - two years in NCAA, and then sign an ELC once that 2nd season is completed, if he's ready to move up. Remember, Hage missed some development time in the past year due to injury and his father passing. Rushing him to the NHL would be a mistake.

 

[26Mats]

Agreed. I think the plan with Hage will be similar to that of Caufield and Hutson - - two years in NCAA, and then sign an ELC once that 2nd season is completed, if he's ready to move up. Remember, Hage missed some development time in the past year due to injury and his father passing. Rushing him to the NHL would be a mistake.

Agreed. Plus Hage has a lean frame. He may need to fill out, and time to do so.

 

[DAChampion]

I have no idea who people are talking about in this thread anymore.

People respond to posts with "he", and then respond to those posts with "he", and then respond to those posts with "he", and the it's no longer obvious who people are talking about.

I had to back a bit. The player being crapped on is Joshua Roy.

 

[morhilane]

People respond to posts with "he", and then respond to those posts with "he", and then respond to those posts with "he", and the it's no longer obvious who people are talking about.

I had to back a bit. The player being crapped on is Joshua Roy.

I think one person was talking about Hage with a "he" in the middle of all that at some point and people responded to it with "he" but meaning Roy. It's all very confusing.

 

[dcyhabs]

I think one person was talking about Hage with a "he" in the middle of all that at some point and people responded to it with "he" but meaning Roy. It's all very confusing.

Happens in a lot of threads, lots of tangents and it seems clear who you’re talking about when you post.

Hage is having a really good start.

Roy will be fine, and better with better players around him. The groupthink dumping on guys is one of the irritants on this board.

 

[Saundies]

Kid looks really good. The goal was extremely nice but it's the passes that are really impressing me.

Awesome vision. Looks like Nick out there.

 

[Natey]

Mesar is a small soft winger who is invisible most of the game. Even if Hage had 0 point but played like he has during the first 2 games he would still look more promising. You know actual skill matter more than point total in lower league. Like being 6"1, good shot, good vision and have you seen his zone entry? Mesar never looked that promising. Also scoring in the Ncaa is harder than the ohl so his 4 points in 2 game are more impressive

Invisible most of the game. Scores 4 points.

The thought process to come to that conclusion is, quite frankly, the stupidest thing I've ever read.

I don't care if you think he's a good prospect, a bad prospect, or whatever. That's your choice. But your original statement was false. All I'm saying is don't lie to make a point.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

He looks like a NCAA veteran out there

Can't wait to see him on the team.

Kid looks really good. The goal was extremely nice but it's the passes that are really impressing me.

Awesome vision. Looks like Nick out there.

Much faster than Nick though