Canadiens prospect Michael Hage praised as Canada's best player at World Juniors

At the World Juniors, Michael Hage has been one of the tournament's most impactful players. He added another four points today, helping Canada secure the bronze medal against Finland.

On the ice, Hage has backed it up by piling up the numbers and drawing attention across the hockey world. Overall, Hage finished his World Junior run with 2 goals and 13 assists in 7 games, for a total of 15 points. Wow!

Recently after the game against Finland, the comments were striking. Zayne Parekh flat-out ranked Hage among the best players on Team Canada, if not the best since the start of the tournament. When a defenseman of Parekh's caliber singles you out like that, it carries weight.

For the Montreal Canadiens, this is generating buzz because Hage is no surprise guest. He was selected 21st overall in 2024 and is 19 years old. Last season at the University of Michigan, he recorded 34 points in 33 games. His entry-level contract is not signed yet, but his rights already belong to the Canadiens.

What also stands out is the tone.

Parekh suggested that Hage enjoys the spotlight and wants to be the guy in the big moments. Dale Hunter summed it up simply by describing him as a motivated player, true to his nature.

It bodes well for what's ahead, especially since everything indicates that Hage could sign with the Montreal Canadiens in the coming weeks (and possibly finish the season in Montreal).

Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Czech coach delivers blunt assessment of Team Canada after semifinal loss