Michael Hage, an 18-year-old prospect for the Montreal Canadiens, is cementing his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in hockey. The University of Michigan center is leading all NCAA freshmen in scoring with 24 points in 19 games, making him a standout in his first collegiate season.
Hage’s Immediate Impact in the NCAA
Drafted 21st overall by the Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft, Hage has quickly adjusted to the NCAA’s demanding pace. His stats speak for themselves: 11 goals and 13 assists, making him the only freshman this season to reach double digits in both categories. His offensive instincts, combined with his ability to read the game, have propelled him to the top of the freshman leaderboard.
One of Hage’s most memorable moments this season came during an outdoor game at Chicago’s legendary Wrigley Field. He intercepted a risky defensive pass, showcasing his elite hockey IQ, and followed it up with a snapping wrist shot to open the scoring. Later in the game, he assisted on teammate Will Horcoff’s goal, further demonstrating his offensive prowess. “It’s a different experience out there,” Hage told Big 10 Network. “You just want to soak it all in and make the most of it.”
How Hage Compares to Top NHL Draft Prospects
Hage’s performance has drawn comparisons to elite prospects like James Hagens, a projected first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Despite being slightly older, Hage has outperformed Hagens in points this season, underlining his offensive consistency. Hockey analysts have praised Hage’s ability to dominate in key areas such as transitional play and his knack for creating scoring opportunities under pressure.
Hunter Crowther, a respected hockey analyst, summed up Hage’s skill set: “His acceleration is a weapon. He disrupts defensive structures and creates scoring lanes in ways you don’t often see from players his age.”
Defensive Challenges: A Work in Progress
While Hage’s offensive game is polished, his defensive game shows room for improvement. In a recent series against Notre Dame, Hage tallied three assists but struggled defensively, finishing with a -6 rating over two games. For a player aiming to become a reliable two-way center, improving his backchecking and defensive awareness will be essential as he develops further.
Why Hage’s Growth Matters for the Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens’ rebuild has placed a premium on developing young, high-potential players, and Hage fits that mold perfectly. His skillset as a two-way center with elite offensive instincts addresses a critical organizational need: depth at the center position. If he continues on this trajectory, Hage could fill the role of a second-line center, a key piece in the Canadiens’ long-term plans.
Hage, however, has made it clear he’s in no rush to join the NHL. “It’s about taking the time to develop the right way,” he said in a recent interview. This patient approach may see him return to Michigan for another season, allowing him to refine his game before making the leap to professional hockey.
Part of a Bright Future for Montreal
Hage’s emergence is just one example of the Canadiens’ deep prospect pool. Other young stars, like Ivan Demidov dominating in the KHL or Lane Hutson’s rapid rise as a defenseman, highlight the organization’s success in building for the future. General Manager Kent Hughes has emphasized a deliberate, development-first approach, and Hage’s progress is evidence of the strategy paying off.
With nearly half the NCAA season remaining, Hage has plenty of opportunities to add to his already impressive stats and further establish himself as one of hockey’s rising stars. Canadiens fans have every reason to be excited about what’s to come.
