Michael Hage confirms he will not play in Montreal next year

Hage’s season, as a rookie in the Big Ten, came to an end when Cornell won its game against Quinnipiac to secure a spot in the Frozen Four at the expense of Michigan.

Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato said in February that Hage needs to remain in college for another season.

"How would I answer that? I would say 150 percent, he'll need another season with us (Michigan). He still has to learn how to play against players who are his size, but often 20 or 30 pounds heavier. He'll need to dominate here in the NCAA before making the jump to the pros in Montreal. It takes time. We want him to improve."

The year of the big leap, for him, should theoretically be 2026-27. We’ll see where he’ll be in his development at that time, but the trajectory of his young career suggests that he could possibly be the eventual second-line center sought by the Habs. At just 18 years old, the right-handed center drafted 21st overall has scored 13 goals and 21 assists, for 34 points in 33 games.