Canadiens prospect Michael Hage to return to Michigan in surprising move: Source

AtlanticBruinsCanadiensLightningMaple LeafsPanthersRed WingsSabresSenatorsMetropolitanBlue JacketsCapitalsDevilsFlyersHurricanesIslandersPenguinsRangersCentralAvalancheBlackhawksBluesJetsMammothPredatorsStarsWildPacificCanucksDucksFlamesGolden KnightsKingsKrakenOilersSharksScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsFantasyNHL OddsNHL PicksPlayoff projectionsNHL Draft rankingRed Light NewsletterNHL Regular Michael Hage finished his sophomore season at Michigan fifth in NCAA scoring with 51 points in 38 games. Nick Wosika / Getty Images Share full article1Montreal Canadiens prospect and University of Michigan forward Michael Hage will return to Michigan for his junior season, a league source confirmed Saturday. Hage, who turns 20 on April 14, was the No. 21 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He finished his sophomore season at Michigan fifth in NCAA scoring with 51 points in 38 games. Hage also represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships and led the tournament in scoring with 15 points in seven games. Michigan was eliminated from the Frozen Four on Thursday, losing 4-3 in double overtime to the University of Denver. Hage was battling an injury throughout the playoffs and registered one assist and two shots on goal in his final collegiate game. What’s clear is that this would not have been the Canadiens’ call. They were excited to have Hage begin his professional career, whether it was in Montreal or in Laval with the AHL’s Rocket. While it seemed unlikely Hage would have joined the Canadiens for the playoffs, having him return to college did not appear to be a part of the team’s development plan for Hage. Though Hage grew up in the Toronto area, he did so as a Canadiens fan, the son of Montreal natives Alain Hage and Rania Saba, with loads of family who still live in Montreal. Alain Hage was the driving force behind the hockey careers of his two sons, and it was always his dream to see them in the NHL. When he died in a tragic swimming pool accident in 2023, Michael Hage used it as fuel to achieve that dream. He has kept a close eye on Montreal during the year. “I watch them as much as I can; they’re a fun team to watch,” he said on Thursday night. “I grew up a fan. It’s pretty special to see how good they’re doing this year.” In December, Saba estimated that when her son makes his debut at the Bell Centre, she would need 60 tickets for friends and family. She was already saving up. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms