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Michael Hage Has Another Strong Performance
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Michael Hage Has Another Strong Performance

Originally posted on The Sick Podcast  |  By Nick Lariviere  |  Last updated Oct 13, 2025 3:24 PM ET

Heading into Friday’s game against the Providence Friars, Michigan Wolverine and Habs prospect Michael Hage had 2 goals and 7 points in 2 games to start his NCAA season. It may have been against a weak Mercyhurst Lakers team, but he still put on a. On Friday night, Hage continued his strong success by scoring 2 goals in the 5-1 Michigan Wolverines victory. This performance brought him to 4 goals and 9 points in 3 games. He would also play on Saturday in a 3-1 win for the Wolverines against the Friars, once again, but was held scoreless for the first time on the season, leaving him at 9 points in 4 games. Nonetheless, Hage had another great weekend and has put himself among the best hockey players in the NCAA

Hage is on pace to be one of the favorites for the Hobey Baker Award for the best player in College hockey in a given year. Last year, he made the long list as a freshman. Therefore, the ideal goal for Hage’s season is to be among the short list of the top 10 players in all of college hockey. This would be the next step in the progression of Hage as he continues to develop into the Canadiens’ eventual 2nd line centre.

Friday night’s game against Providence just showed how dominant a player Hage is currently in the NCAA. He opened the scoring just over 1:40 into the game after he received a perfect pass from his linemate that sprung him for a partial breakaway. On the play, he showed his elite hands by deking out Providence’s goaltender to open the game’s scoring.

It’s clear that Hage is not only among the top playmakers and stick handlers in the Big 10, but he can also be an elite goal scorer with a howitzer of a wrist shot. As time goes on, his shot will be ready to eventually do serious damage at the NHL level. 

The 2nd goal on Friday showed just that as he ripped home a shot from the left circle on the power play, similar to the way Cole Caufield can at the NHL level. During the game, Hage was allowed to show more of his sniper abilities. It may be early, but Hage looks like a much better offensive force than he did during his freshman season.

At this pace, Hage may soon be the favorite to win the Hobey Baker, not just make the short list. However, the reality is that there is still a lot of hockey to play before he can be seen as a favorite. Chances are, he likely won’t produce above 2 points per game all season, but Hage will continue to be an offensive dynamo with Michigan and will also hopefully improve his 2-way game before he gets his shot in the NHL.

Hage was shut out against the Friars on Saturday, but he was still noticeable by carrying the puck up ice numerous times. The more we watch Hage play, the more he truly looks like the answer to the 2nd line centre question in the future. As a player who can drive the play, he looks to be a perfect fit for the role. Hage also looks like he could have good chemistry with Demidov, as both guys can drive play and be major offensive threats.

Do you see Michael Hage being the Canadiens’ 2nd line centre, or do you see them going another direction to fill that need? 

This article first appeared on The Sick Podcast and was syndicated with permission.

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