New details emerge on Michael Hage's true stance toward the Montreal Canadiens
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Michael Hage gave Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens a pause, but not a problem. He's heading back to Michigan instead of signing now.
That decision landed hard in Montreal because Hage is one of the organization's biggest forward prospects.
The reaction was loud, but the message around the file was a lot calmer.
Elliotte Friedman's reporting cut through the noise fast.
The key point was simple: there's no sign Hage wants out and no sign the Canadiens have cooled on him.
"There is no reason to panic. They hold his rights for two more years. There is no reason to believe that Hage is unhappy with the Canadiens, and there is no reason to believe that the Canadiens are unhappy with Hage and will try to trade him."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Montreal still controls his rights for 2 more years, which takes a lot of heat off the story.
His agent Pat Brisson also took matters into his own hands to defend his client.
This is not a player forcing a split or a club getting blindsided.
The Canadiens also met with Hage in person a couple of weeks ago.
Their message to him was that there was no wrong call on his next step.
That matters, because this looks more like a development choice than a contract standoff. For a young center, role and runway still beat rush and noise.
Why Michigan still made more sense for Michael Hage
The first reason is the easiest one to understand. Hage is lined up for an even bigger role with the Wolverines next season than the one he already held this year.
The second piece is unfinished business. Michigan's season ended in a double-overtime Frozen Four semifinal loss, and that kind of finish sticks in a player's head all summer.
The third reason hits closer to home. There is a real possibility that his brother could join Michigan, giving Hage another reason to stay on campus for one more run.
"No. 1, an increased role in Michigan next year, even more than he had this year.
No. 2, unfinished business: they lost in the Frozen Four.
No. 3, the possibility that his brother could join the Wolverines and play there (with him)."
- Elliotte Friedman
No. 2, unfinished business: they lost in the Frozen Four.
No. 3, the possibility that his brother could join the Wolverines and play there (with him)."
- Elliotte Friedman
And this isn't a player fading into the background.
Hage just put up 52 points in 39 games and finished at +15, so another college season could mean even heavier usage in every situation.
He was the 21st overall pick in the 2024 draft, and he turns 20 on Monday, April 14.
Montreal can still take the patient route without losing control of the asset.
That's why the real takeaway here is pretty clear.
The Canadiens didn't lose Michael Hage; they're just waiting longer for a prospect who still looks firmly in their plans under Martin St-Louis.
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