On June 28, the New York Islanders and the rest of the NHL will meet at The Sphere in Las Vegas for the 2024 NHL Draft.
The Islanders haven't selected a player in the first round since 2019 but currently own the 20th overall pick in this year's draft after moving down two slots following a draft-pick deal with the Chicago Blackhawks back on May 24.
Related: Two Reasons Why Islanders May Have Made Draft Pick Deal With Chicago
It is to be determined whether or not the Islanders will hold on to this year's first-round pick, but if they do, there are quality players that the organization can add to their prospect pool.
As we inch closer to the NHL Draft, we at The Hockey News will do a "One Player A Day" series.
Up first is 18-year-old Michael Hage.
Hage spent last season with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), scoring 33 goals and 42 assists for 75 points in 54 games.
In two playoff games, Hage recorded two goals with two assists.
The center led a mediocre Steel team in goals, assists, and points, essentially willing them to the postseason, earning All-USHL First Team honors.
Hage has committed to the University of Michigan and will begin his freshman season in the fall.
According to EliteProspects' scouting report , Hage is a “dynamic rush attacker” who can make plays and skate at an exceptional level.
Hage presents a dual-threat element in the offensive zone, and according to analyst Jason Bukala of Sportsnet, his vision is one of his best attributes.
Many scouts and organizations expect Hage to go around the mid-20s, so he will likely be available if and when the Islanders pick 20th.
Now, the most important question: Why would Hage be a good fit?
Hage’s scouting report would suggest a Mathew Barzal type—a dynamic, smooth skater who can drive offense and transition play at an elite level.
The Mississauga native doesn’t need to become a Barzal-caliber forward, and the Islanders wouldn’t expect him to be, should they pick him.
However, Hage would add a new element to a weak Islanders prospect pool.
The Islanders have smooth-skating defensemen in 2022 2nd-round pick Calle Odelius and 2022 4th-round pick Isaiah George, but many of their forward prospects lack the pop that Hage has.
Matthew Maggio, the Islanders' fifth-round pick in 2022, and Quinn Finley, the Islanders' third-round pick in 2022, are both strong skaters.
Still, neither is reputed for being dynamic at an elite level.
Simply put, Hage adds high-end talent to a prospect pool starved for it.
Additionally, Hage is a center, unlike many Islanders forward prospects.
While 2023 second-round pick Danny Nelson is a center, all of Maggio, Finley, William Dufour (2020 fifth-round pick), and Alex Jefferies (2020 fourth-round pick) are wingers.
The Islanders have a surplus of prospects on the wing, so adding a center should be a priority.
As of right now, the Bridgeport Islanders have no centers signed to their roster for the 2024-25 season.
Hage wouldn't help that, as he's heading to Michigan, but the need for center prospects is incredibly high.
The first round of this year’s draft is projected to be volatile, as there are few clear-cut picks.
Prospect parity is high.
Thus, prepare for another center preview tomorrow.
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