Michael Hage (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Michael Hage’s journey to the NHL took another promising step this season, as the highly touted Canadiens center made waves in his freshman year at Michigan. Drafted 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Hage arrived in Ann Arbor with high expectations, and he wasted no time proving he belonged. In his first game with the Wolverines, he made an immediate impact, notching a goal and three assists in a thrilling series against Minnesota State. It was the kind of debut that signaled to fans and scouts alike that Hage was more than just a prospect—he was a difference-maker.
As the season progressed, Hage continued to shine, finishing with 13 goals and 21 assists in 33 games. His speed, vision, and knack for making plays in tight spaces made him one of Michigan’s most dynamic forwards, earning him the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. Yet, despite his stellar individual performance, the Wolverines fell short of an NCAA Tournament bid, leaving Hage hungry for more.
Rather than making the jump to the professional ranks, he confirmed his decision to RG to return for the 2025–26 season, determined to lead Michigan back to championship contention. With another year of development ahead, the Canadiens’ first-round pick is poised to take his game to even greater heights.
A Potential 2C?
Looking ahead to Hage’s future with the Montreal Canadiens, one major question is how quickly he can become an integral part of their roster. For a young player with so much potential, the path to a regular NHL role can sometimes be challenging, but Hage’s determination to impact every game is clear.
“It’s about making an impact on every game you play. I want to play down the middle, and to do that you need to be more defensively responsible and stronger as a whole,” said Hage in an exclusive interview with RG. “When you look at the way (Nick) Suzuki plays, he’s impacting the game and the Canadiens’ offense flows through him. That’s the kind of impact I want to have.”
Hage has always looked up to elite NHL centers like Jack Eichel or Jack Hughes, but Nick Suzuki stands out as a player he wants to emulate. The Canadiens captain is known for his two-way play and ability to drive offense, something Hage aspires to develop in his own game.
His admiration goes beyond just Suzuki’s offensive ability; it extends to his leadership and consistency on the ice.
“He’s constantly getting better, too,” added Hage. “He’s a No. 1 center in the NHL, and he’s only going to get better. Those are the types of centers that you win with.”
Despite his strong freshman season, Hage acknowledges that there is still work to be done if he wants to become a true impact player at the NHL level. He knows that to thrive in the pros, he needs to elevate his game in all three zones, and that starts with improving his defensive play and face-offs.
“You need to start strong in your own zone and be able to cover the defensive side of the puck first,” said Hage. “I also need to work on face-offs, they’re a big deal when it comes to starting the play with possession. I’m a guy that wants the puck on his stick and to make that kind of impact at both ends of the ice. I’ve got some work to do, but my goal is to be a center moving forward.”
Continuing to Develop
As Hage moves forward in his career, the next stage of his development will be essential to his NHL success. While he has already shown remarkable promise, there are still areas of his game that require attention.
“It’s about understanding what it takes to win at this level. That means taking pride in your defensive game, making sure you cover the smaller details. I want to continue playing center, and these are details that will serve me moving forward,” said Hage. “It’s about supporting my teammates down low and helping move the puck up the ice and attack on the rush.”
Hage understands that excelling as a center requires more than just offensive talent. A strong two-way game, defensive responsibility, and the ability to win puck battles are all areas of focus as he prepares for another season at Michigan. His commitment to growth is evident in his offseason training plan.
“I need to work on my strength this summer.
I need to get a lot stronger and come back from the summer in the best shape of my life,” said Hage. “That extra strength and conditioning will help me impact the game at both ends of the ice and stand out when it really matters.”
The Canadiens’ development staff has played a key role in guiding Hage throughout his first year in the NCAA. Regular check-ins and analysis from Montreal’s player development team have provided him with valuable insights into his game.
“Rob Ramage was here for a handful of weekends to watch my games and give me advice after games,” said Hage of the Canadiens’ development staff. “When we talk after games, he’s always very honest with me and tells it like it is. It’s been a big help for me and my game.”
His development isn’t just about what happens on the ice. Video analysis has been a key tool in helping Hage refine his play, with Adam Nicholas, Montreal’s Director of Hockey Development, providing tailored feedback.
“Adam will send me clips of certain plays or shifts to help me work on my skills, primarily,” added Hage. “It’s more observations of my game and how to tweak it to be more efficient. He’s great.”
Watching the Canadiens
Hage’s connection to the Canadiens runs deep, and he’s been following the team closely throughout the season. With a roster full of talented young players, the Canadiens have shown signs of promise, and Hage sees himself being part of the team’s future.
Hage has kept a close eye on the Canadiens throughout the season, following their progress and envisioning where he might fit into the team’s future. Montreal’s young core has shown flashes of brilliance, and he sees himself as part of the next wave of talent that will contribute to the team’s resurgence.
“There are so many talented young players on that team, and there’s more of us coming,” said Hage. “They’ll be a fun team to watch for years to come. I can’t really name one in particular, but that’s an exciting core to be a part of moving forward.”
One of those young players is Ivan Demidov, the Canadiens’ top prospect and a player Hage got to spend some time with after both were selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
“He’s a really nice guy,” said Hage of Demidov.
“We didn’t get to speak too much, but he’s a pretty funny guy when you take the time to talk to him. He’s an electric player, and we’re very lucky to have him.”
With another year of NCAA hockey ahead and the Canadiens’ development staff closely monitoring his progress, Hage is in a prime position to continue his evolution as a player. His ultimate goal remains clear: to become a top NHL center and make a lasting impact in Montreal. His journey is just beginning, and if this past season was any indication, the best is yet to come.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
