NIC HAGUE

BORN Dec. 5, 1998, Kitchener, Ont. 2016-17 Mississauga POS D HT 6-5 WT 216 SHOOTS L INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICES No. 18 IT’S NOT

fair to call Hague “polarizing,” but there is a big range of opinion about what he can be at the next level. The numbers sound great, but scouts don’t necessarily see him as an offensive defenseman at a higher tier of hockey.

At the CHLRussia series, he paired with highflying Montreal pick Victor Mete, and it was a good tandem. “He’ll be more of the player he was at the CHL-Russia series at the next level: a stay-at-home guy with bite and size,” said one scout. “I worry about the skating mechanics as he gets stronger.”

The skating complaint involves his knees going in, which affects his balance. It’s fine against junior competition, but what about stronger pro opponents?

Still, other evaluators are fine with his development path. “He’s a big, tall kid with good hockey sense, and he can really bring it with that shot,” said another scout. “He has good reach, too. I’m not worried about his skating. Big guys adjust to their bodies at different times, and his hockey sense speeds him up, if that makes sense. He’s not a burner, but his brain gets him to where he needs to go.”