Craig Button: Maple Leafs to select Michael Hage in first round of the NHL draft

The Toronto Maple Leafs will enter the 2024 NHL Draft with seven picks: one in the first round, one in the third round, three in the fifth round, and two in the seventh round.

Last year, the Leafs managed to strike a home run with Easton Cowan at the 28th overall pick. They will try to do it once again this season when they speak at the 23rd rank.

TSN's Craig Button is among the experts who shared their predictions for the draft and linked an interesting player to the Maple Leafs: Michael Hage.

Hage, 18, is a 6'1", 188 lbs forward who can play at center or right wing. In the USHL, he brought an effective offensive game the whole season. He has great skating and puck handling skills that were put to good use: he scored 75 points, including 33 goals, in 54 games.

He's set to play another season in junior before joining the University of Michigan in the NCAA.

Experts predict that he's likely to become a middle-six center in the NHL.

Here's what Button said about him:

Of course, the Leafs will need to wait and see what players are available when they walk on the stage before making a decision.

If interesting players drop, their choice might change at the very last minute.

This will be Brad Treliving's first draft at the helm of the organization, and he has a lot of pressure going into the summer.

Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will draft Michael Hage in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft?

Source: Leafs Nation
Craig Button has Maple Leafs selecting forward Michael Hage in latest first round mock draft