Toronto Maple Leafs 2017 NHL Draft Preview: No. 14 Nicolas Hague
By Austin Owens
As the Toronto Maple Leafs and the rest of the NHL prepare for the draft, we look at Nicolas Hague, the hulking defender who has a big shot and even bigger potential. His season with the Mississauga Steelheads has him climbing up many draft boards, including ours.
The 2016 draft had several headlining players that controlled the main portion of the coverage in North America. This was particularly true north of the border, as the Toronto Maple Leafs and every other Canadian team failed to reach the playoffs.
This summer will be a different story. Further, there has been a lot of movement in the draft rankings over the course of the season.
On Monday, we looked at Lias Andersson. Today, we look at Nicolas Hague, who is the 14th-ranked prospect on our board.
Hague was a second round pick bu Mississauga in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection. Since entering the OHL last season, the 6 foot 6 defender has been talked about as one of the top selections in this year’s draft. He has stayed in relatively the same place since the beginning of the season.
Hague has impressed scouts with his big shot and his skating ability. He’s also got a mean streak and loves to lay the body.
Here’s what Future Considerations had to say about Hague:
"Hague has a great mix of size, skating and skill…shuts down the oppositions’ top lines and is a driver of the play…is physical and will give that extra shot to his opponent to leave a mark and an impression for the next time…doesn’t give his man room to breathe in front of the net…not shy with stepping in to lay the body, standing up his man with a solid check…controls the gap very well with strong position and good stick work…very balanced and surprisingly mobile for a big kid, he possesses a powerful lateral step."
Hague improved on his totals from last season with 22 more points. He also saw a jump in penalty minutes, from 84 in 2015-16 to 107 this season.
His best game of the year came against the Guelph Storm, where he had a four-point night:
Hague was huge for the Steelheads in the playoffs, scoring 12 points in 18 games. The Steelheads made it to the J. Ross Roberston Cup Finals, where they were beaten in five games by the Erie Otters.
Hague is an interesting prospect in the middle of the draft. Look for him to go at the back end of the lottery. If he doesn’t go then, he should be selected before the 20th pick.
Next: Leafs don't know how good they have it with Nylander
What’s your take on Hague? Do you agree with the current projection that he will be drafted 14th overall, or is this too high or low? Further, what kind of career are you predicting for him in the NHL? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.