Report: Canadiens prospect Michael Hage to return to Michigan for junior year
One of the top scorers in college hockey is sticking around.
Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Hage is set to challenge for a national title, with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting that Hage will not sign his entry-level contract this year and will return for his junior season.
Hearing that Michael Hage, the talented Canadiens’ prospect, will return to Michigan for his junior season. Wolverines lost in Frozen Four this week, Hage will have another chance in 2026-27.
The news comes less than two days after Hage and his Michigan Wolverines were eliminated in the Frozen Four Semifinals of the NCAA Tournament, losing to the Denver Pioneers in double overtime on Thursday night.
Hage’s status was in question heading into the weekend. He had missed Michigan’s first game of the tournament against Bentley two weeks ago due to an ankle injury, and played sparingly in the team’s regional final win over Minnesota Duluth. The 19-year-old looked a little more comfortable against Denver, but still looked a little rusty compared to the pace he played at during the regular season.
After a promising freshman season last year, in which he was named Big Ten Rookie of the Year, Hage exploded in his second year in Ann Arbor. In 38 games, he scored 13 goals and 38 assists for 51 points, sitting tied for third in the country in scoring with Hobey Baker Award finalist and Detroit Red Wings prospect Max Plante (Minnesota Duluth). Hage played a key role in helping the Wolverines with the Big Ten Championship for the first time in three years, and earned a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team.
In 71 games with the maize and blue, Hage scored 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points.
Along with his college career, Hage had a chance to taste the spotlight on the international stage. At the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, he led Canada in scoring with two goals and 15 points in seven games, helping his team win the bronze medal.
Hage was taken by the Habs in the first round, 21st overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. He’s one of the more agile players coming up through the ranks, with quick hands and speed, making him a dangerous player off the rush. An elite playmaker for his age, the Mississauga, Ont. native has the tools to make a seamless transition from the NCAA to the NHL.