Renaud Lavoie explains why Michael Hage is not joining the Canadiens yet
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Michael Hage is returning to Michigan, and the Canadiens coaching staff adjusts after new details from Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports changed the picture.
This isn't just a development call anymore. There's a medical layer to it.
Hage finished his NCAA season with 52 points in 39 games, confirming he's trending toward a top-six role in Montreal.
But new information from Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports indicates his ankle injury is not fully healed.
That matters. A lot.
Instead of forcing the jump, Hage now gets a full offseason and another NCAA year to get back to 100 percent.
Michigan offers that flexibility.
And there's more. According to Renaud Lavoie, Hage could be named the next captain of the Wolverines.
Why Michael Hage's NHL timeline just shifted after Renaud Lavoie's report
That potential role changes everything about his return.
Top line, power play, key faceoffs, and leadership responsibilities. He won't just play big minutes, he'll carry the group.
His progression already supports that jump. He moved from 34 points in 33 games to 52 in 39 in one season.
Before Michigan, he dominated the USHL with 75 points in 54 games, including 33 goals and 42 assists.
He's been producing at every level.
On the international stage, he added 15 points in 7 games at the 2026 World Juniors with Canada.
Still, the ankle remains the key detail.
For a center who relies on edge work and pace through the neutral zone, that kind of injury can't be rushed.
Montreal won't take that chance.
Kent Hughes now gets added flexibility with contract timing, while avoiding pressure to insert Hage into an already competitive forward group.
There are still battles for top-six roles and power-play usage in Montreal and Laval.
Dropping Hage into that mix at less than full strength would've created more problems than solutions.
Instead, he returns to a controlled environment, with a chance to dominate and lead.
And with unfinished business after that Frozen Four loss, motivation won't be an issue.
The Canadiens can wait.
Because now, this isn't just about development. It's about making sure Michael Hage arrives ready to make an impact right away.
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| POLL | ||
AVRIL 11|44 ANSWERS Renaud Lavoie explains why Michael Hage is not joining the Canadiens yet Did the Canadiens make the right call by backing off with Michael Hage after the TVA Sports report ? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 84.1 % |
| No | 7 | 15.9 % |
| List of polls | ||