The Habs Top 10 Prospects: #3 Michael Hage

I also believe that Hage getting drafted by the Habs has also given him extra motivation to become the best version of player that he can be, given that he’s a lifelong Habs fan as well as wanting to honor his late father. Watching him get drafted by the Habs was such a heartwarming story, and seeing him one day where the Habs sweater is exciting to think about. 

After being drafted, he had an amazing rookie season in the NCAA with the Michigan Wolverines, where he scored 13 goals and 34 points in 33 games. He was among the top freshmen in all of the NCAA and even made the long list for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in all of College Hockey. 

Hage will be looking to improve on his strong freshman season at Michigan and could easily be among the favorites for the 2025-26 Hobey Baker Award. 

The tragedy that preceded his draft year affected his game, as he seems to be doing better than many players who went before him in the 2024 NHL draft already. 

After not getting a look for last year’s World Juniors squad for Canada, Hage proved he deserves a spot on the 2026 World Junior team by scoring a goal in each of Canada’s games during the World Junior Showcase at the end of last month. 

A good start to his NCAA season should pencil in the Mississauga native onto the team’s final roster, allowing him to represent his country in a big tournament for the first time. The fact that he can be either a centre or winger, as well as playing an offensive or checking role, makes it seem like he should be a no-brainer for the team. Many insiders who have put together their lists for the World Juniors team have penciled him in to represent Canada. 

Hage can become an elite player at the NHL level, but his chances of being an elite player are lower than the two prospects above him, which is why Hage is ranked as the 3rd best prospect in the Habs pipeline. 

One thing that is interesting about Hage is that it’s possible that we can see him come over to the NHL after his NCAA season if Michigan doesn’t go to the National Championship game, similarly to what Hutson did after his 2nd NCAA season. It would be fun to see just how this centre looks at the NHL level in the near future.

Also there are still questions on whether he is an NHL centre, but the way he carries the puck up the ice as a play driver, makes me believe he is going to be one.

What are your thoughts on Michael Hage as a player, and do you see him as the answer for the 2nd line centre? 

Check out our 4th-ranked prospect from yesterday by clicking here.