Michael Hage continues to break out as a new report reveals when he may arrive with the Canadiens
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
One of the most anticipated Montreal Canadiens prospects is without a doubt young Michael Hage.
The Ontario native, who was selected 21st overall in the 2024 draft, is already projected by many to become the organization's next second-line center.
Considering the Habs have been trying to fill that role for quite some time, it's no surprise that he's being awaited with such impatience. With the season he's having in the NCAA, and at only 19 years old, the transition to professional hockey could come sooner rather than later for Hage.
Michael Hage is dominating with the Michigan Wolverines
In his second NCAA season, he is currently playing outstanding hockey with the University of Michigan. He is also at the top of the scoring race. Hage is approaching last season's totals, when he recorded 34 points in 33 games.
It's no surprise that everything points toward him signing with the Canadiens once the Wolverines are eliminated from contention.
"Michael Hage, 19 years old, a right-shot center at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, will likely join the Canadiens this spring.
He is essentially the organization's second center of the future and the reason they do not want to burden themselves with a declining veteran under contract for many more seasons."
- Mathias Brunet
He is essentially the organization's second center of the future and the reason they do not want to burden themselves with a declining veteran under contract for many more seasons."
- Mathias Brunet
However, this signing would likely only occur at the very end of the NCAA season. As Hage has already stated, he wants to help his team win a championship before joining the Montreal organization. He will therefore want to go as far as possible in pursuing that dream before moving on to the next step.
At that point, it will be interesting to see whether the young forward joins the big club directly or finishes the season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. In the first scenario, he would burn a year of his contract, much like Lane Hutson did in 2023-2024.
In the second, he would sign an amateur tryout with the Rocket and would not be able to play with the Habs, just as Jacob Fowler did last year.
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DECEMBRE 6 | 1184 ANSWERS Michael Hage continues to break out as a new report reveals when he may arrive with the Canadiens If Michael Hage turns pro this spring, where should he begin his career? | ||
| Montreal Canadiens | 510 | 43.1 % |
| Laval Rocket | 674 | 56.9 % |
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