The Canadiens 21st overall selection in the 2024 NHL draft was not a part of the announced roster, leaving Habs fans wondering why.
On Tuesday, the Canadian roster for the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase was announced, but one player’s name was excluded from the mix, leaving Habs fans scratching their heads as to why.
Twenty-first overall selection in the 2024 NHL draft Michael Hage was kept off the list of invitees. There are a few notable first-round draft picks from this year’s draft who have made the roster. They include forwards Cole Beaudoin drafted by Utah, Berkeley Catton of Seattle, Jett Luchanko of Philadelphia, defensemen Carter Yakemchuk of Ottawa and Zayne Parekh of Calgary.
Number one overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini was invited to the event but said he would not attend.
We know Hage is forgoing Montreal Canadiens training camp in September so that he can better prepare for his first season of NCAA play with the University of Michigan Wolverines. It’s hard to say whether or not that plays a factor into his participation for the Summer series.
Hage hasn’t played in international competition since the U13 World Selects Invitational, this may have played a factor in his exclusion. It’s unrealistic that this merits no invite, especially considering the fantastic stint he had in the USHL. In 67 games played, he recorded 38 goals and 85 points, good enough for 1.27 points per game.
