Canadiens take Michael Hage with 21st pick

The Montreal Canadiens took center Michael Hage with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday.

Michael Hage

Hage was born in Mississauga, Ontario, but both of his parents are from Montreal so he grew up a Habs fan.

His father, Alain, passed away suddenly last July in a freak swimming pool accident.

"My dad would be so happy right now," an emotional Hage said after being drafted. "It's a dream come true for me, honestly."

At the NHL Scouting Combine he told theScore that he grew up idolizing Max Pacioretty.

Hage was ranked 19th among North American skaters at the midterm, but his elite play over the season's second half led NHL Central Scouting to bump him up nine spots in the final edition. The forward finished the campaign ranked fourth in the USHL points race and sixth in goals.

He flourished in his second season with the Chicago Steel. In September 2022, he suffered a torn labrum during his first practice with the team. The injury forced him out until March 2023, when he posted five goals and five assists across 13 games to conclude that campaign.

Hage was the recipient of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence at the NHL Awards on Thursday. The award is presented annually to the draft prospect who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness, and athleticism.

He's committed to the University of Michigan. While consistency has been an issue for Hage, both the Steel and the Wolverines have a proven track record of developing skilled players.

The Canadiens drafted Russian winger Ivan Demidov with their first pick of the night, fifth overall.