For Hague its either NHL or OHL next year. He was drafted out of the CHL and needs to be 20 to play in the AHL.
He and Tippet are both there as loaner players to help their development. As they're junior clubs are done. This is the same rule that brought Dylan Strome back to the OHL last year and for a more hometown example, It's the reason Mikey came back to the Steelheads rather then playing in Albany.
I find the rule to be bittersweet. It gives players the opportunity to play for or be traded to a contending team. Given the player gets traded, it gives them the experience of joining another team mid season. It also gives the kids time to mature just that little bit more both mentally and physically. One downside to the rule is that some kids are simply just to good for this league at 19, but aren't quite ready for the NHL level, or at the level their teams would like them to be playing at.
IMO I don't see Hague as too good for this league yet. I think he is a sizeable gifted offensive minded defenseman. But his footwork isn't quite at the NHL level as he gets beat wide in the OHL still. I also think his passes from his own end need work. That said, last year before he got drafted to the NHL I said he needs to shoot more and he put up record numbers the next season. So I believe he will improve his game and that his flaws are coachable.He has a HUGE season ahead of him and will experience alot. I see him playing for Canada at the WJC in December as well.