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Michael Hage: Everything suggests his name was a hot topic in Toronto around the trade deadline

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 5:13 PM ET

Earlier this week, MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) President Keith Pelley praised the Canadiens' rebuild.

He mentioned the names of a few prospects, including Michael Hage, to explain that the future looks very promising in Montreal.

And he didn't do that by accident either.

We know that the Canadiens and the Leafs discussed a trade at the trade deadline. And if Pelley, who was in the same room as Brad Treliving on deadline day, spoke highly of Michael Hage… it's because he knows him.

And Pierre LeBrun summed it up well on Tony Marinaro's podcast: it also means that in Toronto, Michael Hage's name has been circulating in recent weeks.

Pelley didn't mention him just like that, for fun…

Without saying it outright, Darren Dreger hinted at the same thing on the Barn Burner podcast.

Dreger claimed that Treliving had asked for Michael Hage as the centerpiece in a trade involving Matthew Knies… and that confirms, in a way, that Hage's name is popular within the Toronto organization.

We know the Leafs wanted to draft him in 2024, after all…

Darren Dreger: Toronto was in trade discussions with the Sabres and…Canadiens; I don't know that Matthew Knies was ever really likely…traded; but the two names Keith Pelley mentioned…Treliving would've asked for…Michael Hage [MTL] and Radim Mrtka [BUF] – Barn Burner (4/1)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) April 2, 2026

It's only natural to think the Leafs like Michael Hage.

We're talking about a guy who has the potential to become one of the top players in the National Hockey League and one of the best prospects in the league right now. Sure, the Leafs would have wanted him in a major trade… but we know, on the other side, that the Canadiens are very attached to Michael Hage.

And I think it would take a lot—maybe even a whole lot—to see Kent Hughes include him in a trade.

In a nutshell

– Go!

Habs prospect Alexander Zharovsky is heading to the 2nd round of the KHL playoffs with HC Salavat https://t.co/INVaf8840v

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 2, 2026

– Good question.

Which NHL team has been the biggest disappointment this season? pic.twitter.com/7jkUgcO93R

— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) April 2, 2026

– He's incredible.

Macklin Celebrini: 5 goals, 9 points in his last 3 games. 19 years old right in the middle of a tight playoff race. Unreal. #TheFutureIsTeal

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) April 2, 2026

– News from MLB.