Rumblings the Maple Leafs 'really liked' Michael Hage prove the 2024 trade down was a nightmare
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs loved Michael Hage and there was already a connection. But their inability to make a play for him led him straight to their rivals - and a potentially worse pick instead.
In last year's draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Ben Danford 31st overall after riding down with the Anaheim Ducks. It was seen as a bit of a savvy move knowing that the team wanted to make sure they snagged him before he was gone.
The Hardy Boy: Why Ryan Hardy's insider knowledge on Hage makes this decision even worse
However, there was another player they were keenly interested in, that being Michael Hage. With a connection already thanks to Ryan Hardy being the GM of the Chicago Steel and now with the Maple Leafs organization; it felt like the perfect match.
Except for the fact that because they were a little too slow on the draw, it led to their rivals picking him up. Montreal traded the 26th, 57th and 198th overall picks to the Los Angeles Kings for their 21st overall pick and selected Hage, leaving Toronto high and dry.
Toronto then traded their 23rd overall pick to Anaheim in exchange for the 31st overall pick as well as the 58th overall pick belonging to the Bruins which was then given to the Panthers via some trad conditions.
Why Toronto didn't give up a package similar to Montreal in exchange for a chance to draft Hage is a huge oversight on management and it's not like you didn't know who he was - your Marlies GM was the same one he had in Chicago with the USHL.
Hage vs. Danford: The value gap that has defined Toronto's draft mismanagement
There's a lot to like about Danford however in comparison to Hage it's night and day:
Michael Hage: 37 GP, 51 points (13 goals, 38 assists), plus-14 (U of Michigan)
Ben Danford: 37 GP, 16 points (2 goals, 14 assists), plus-12 (Brantford OHL)
Obviously one is an elite point producer who has some of the craftiest hands and someone who uses blazing speed and acceleration to beat opponents, find the open lane, and distribute.
The other is a smart, analytical, shutdown defender who loves to play the angle, play physical, put his body on the line, and some who can make smart transition plays going from his own end.
Granted, Danford has a lot of potential to be a shutdown guy like Chris Tanev with perhaps a higher offensive ceiling, but Hage has the potential to be a genuine superstar who could hit 70-80 points with ease.
For some reason though, Toronto passed on a hometown kid even though they 'really liked' him. Typically, if you like someone, you do whatever it takes to get them.
I guess the admiration for Hage was lip service only because if they had truly cared about drafting him, they would have and not let him fall right into the hands of their longest-serving rivals.
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Previously on Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
MARS 24|1168 ANSWERS Rumblings the Maple Leafs 'really liked' Michael Hage prove the 2024 trade down was a nightmare Are you disappointed Toronto missed out on Michael Hage and took Ben Danford? | ||
| Yes | 513 | 43.9 % |
| No | 655 | 56.1 % |
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