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Michael Hage, a guy who loves the spotlight

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 3:01 PM ET

Right now, Michael Hage’s name is one of the most popular in the hockey world.

And it’s not hard to see why: the Canadiens’ prospect is dominating the World Junior Championship. He’s proving to everyone that he has the potential to be a good NHL player at some point.

It’s not for nothing, after all, that his teammates and coach have been praising his qualities.

In Zayne Parekh’s eyes, Hage is a guy who loves big moments. He mentioned that the Canadiens’ prospect loves the spotlight and performs well when it really counts.

Interesting.

Dale Hunter said much the same thing… referring to Hage as a truly competitive player. These are fine words for a player of only 19 years of age.

Canadiens prospect Michael Hage emerging as ’s catalyst at #WorldJuniors

Zayne Parekh: “I just think he wants to be the guy. He loves the spotlight. He embraces it.”

Dale Hunter: “It’s in his nature to begin with. Whenever he’s playing, he’s driven.“https://t.co/hpVV0SjW59

– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 2, 2026

Michael Hage’s maturity is attracting attention for the right reasons, obviously.

We’ve heard all kinds of comments about him since the start of the World Junior Championship… and it’s all positive. Hage is doing things the right way on the ice, it’s getting him points and it’s making him one of (if not the) most important players for Canada so far in the tournament.

But more than that, I’m inclined to believe that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton are really pleased with the youngster’s ability to stand out both on and off the ice.

Hearing that he likes to be in the spotlight is sure to please the Canadiens’ management… because we know that in Montreal, there’s a lot of pressure. We know that there are guys who thrive on big moments, and Hage seems to fit into that category of players.

And it’s special because Hage isn’t the only guy like that in the Montreal organization right now. I’m thinking of Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, and Jacob Fowler… three young players with these qualities in their respective toolbags.

Overtime

– Congratulations!

Well-deserved contract extension for Charles-Édouard D’Astous https://t.co/TYNYpX5kVQ

– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 2, 2026

– He’s so good.

This Habs goal last night all started with Lane Hutson’s work in the defensive zone.

He then outskated everyone to deflect the puck to Sammy Blais who scored.

pic.twitter.com/n3RSo208jP

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 2, 2026

– It’s up to her to seize her chance.

Forward Jade Downie-Landry in uniform for the first time with the Victory https://t.co/Hxi0PytQSN

– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) January 2, 2026

– Yikes.

David Pagnotta: Re Alex Tuch negotiations: I’ve gotta imagine between now and the Olympics, they’re gonna wanna have a good understanding as to whether or not they can get him locked in; if it’s not in Buffalo, they’ve got…a gem to dangle out there – Daily Faceoff Live (12/29)

– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) January 2, 2026

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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