Michael Hage as 2nd center: “It will take time,” says Scott Wheeler

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Crédit: Michael Hage speaks to media after being drafted by Montreal Canadiens.

It’s hard not to be optimistic about Michael Hage. The CH prospect, who was drafted in the first round in 2024, had a big first year in the NCAA… and more importantly, he did it playing center.Need I remind you that the Canadiens are looking for a second center?In the eyes of many, then, Hage is likely to check that box sooner or later. But no, it won’t happen soon. This afternoon, Scott Wheeler (a prospects expert for The Athletic) took questions from Habs fans on Reddit… and here’s what he had to say when a fan asked him when Hage could be established as a #2 center:

He could be playing NHL games in the spring of 2026 or 2027. But established as a #2 center? That will take some time.

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Scott Wheeler

[content-ads]Because, yes, it’s worth remembering: development takes time. Hage may be extremely promising, but he still has a long way to go before (possibly) becoming a #2 center in the NHL.Assuming he’ll be Ivan Demidov’s center in 2026-27, for example, is a bit audacious. After all, maybe he won’t even be in the NHL by then if he goes back to play another year in the NCAA.Speaking of the Habs’ promising prospects, Wheeler was also asked about the ceiling he sees for Alexander Zharovsky. The young Russian, in his eyes, has the potential to become a talented guy on a second line and powerplay, but will still have some shortcomings.Then, he also mentions that he expects to see Florian Xhekaj play some NHL games this season… and he expects the same for Jacob Fowler. That’s interesting, considering that Samuel Montembeault is the established #1 and that Jakub Dobes and Kaapo Kahkonen are already battling it out for the #2 spot.Interesting answers, then, which you can read here. Let’s see if the Habs’ prospects prove him right now[spacer title=’Overtime’]- Colleague Marc-Olivier Cook was just talking about this this morning.

– Worth noting.

– A name to watch.

– Nothing less.

👀🎾

– Oh yeah?