With the 21st pick, the Canadiens draft Michael Hage

Dans les Coulisses
Crédit: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Michael Hage is selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the 21st overall pick during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Before the draft began, the Habs had two first-round picks: the 5th and the 21st (acquired earlier in the day).

One wondered whether the club had moved up five spots to trade up or simply to draft a player x targeted at that spot.

In the end, it was the latter: Montreal selected Michael Hage.

I had my fingers crossed for Cole Eiserman, but he was selected one spot (20th) ahead of Montreal.

Too bad.

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As for the Habs’ new acquisition, he’s a center from the USHL. He finished fourth in league scoring with 75 points (33 goals) in 54 games.

Next year, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound center will play for the University of Michigan. He won’t be in Montreal, but will have the opportunity to improve in an excellent hockey program.

For those interested, Kent Hughes should take it easy tonight. That’s what he told Elliotte Friedman in an interview following Hage’s selection. Speaking of interviews, the player spoke in French with Renaud Lavoie. Hage hails from Mississauga, Ontario, but grew up a Habs fan.

So, he’s joining his childhood team.

Extension

– The Habs have drafted the real deal.