Inside Wheeler’s Shocking Summer 2025 NHL Prospect Rankings: Who’s the True Future Star?
I believe he has top-six potential. The big question is whether he can do it as a second-line center or if he’ll be better served moving to the wing (think Jordan Kyrou type). I think the wing is much more likely.
Hage is a natural center with plenty of offensive dimension, though. He has pro size (6-foot-1 and 190 pounds despite all of his lost training time due to injury, with plenty more room to add muscle to his still-lean but athletic build) and skating (he’s an excellent skater). He has dual-threat skill as a shooter and passer, and he can do both in flight and at pace. He’s naturally talented as a handler. He can create for himself or make plays for his linemates. He plays hard, he stays on pucks and he’s competitive enough (all of which I think were underrated pre-draft, even if he’s not defined by his competitiveness). He reads the game well with an intelligent approach to the way he maneuvers around the ice, but also good instincts that he can fall back on. I like him in puck control/protection, including in full flight. His detail and work rate are both developing, if they’re not going to be his calling card. He’ll finish his checks. He should have been on Team Canada at U18 worlds two springs ago, and I think he should be in the mix for Team Canada at December’s World Juniors in Minnesota (though he’s certainly not a lock to make that team). His blend of skating, skill, scoring, playmaking and sense is hard to come by. I’m a big believer.
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