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The Montreal Canadiens have not closed the door on Michael Hage joining the organization before the next NHL season. President of hockey operations Jeff Gorton confirmed the team remains flexible despite the top prospect’s current preference to return to Michigan. His comments show that Montreal values Hage’s development while keeping every option available through the summer.
Speaking one day before the NHL Draft, Gorton explained that discussions with Hage remain ongoing rather than finalized.
“We’ve talked to Michael a lot,” Gorton said. “He’s told us that he would like to stay in school and we’ve kinda left it there. But we also told him to take some time. It’s a long summer, things happen.”
MORE: Canadiens facing competition from ‘sneaky’ teams eyeing Stars RFA Jason Robertson
Gorton also stressed that both sides will continue evaluating the situation before making a final decision.
“Maybe we add people, maybe we don’t,” Gorton said. “If there’s something that you see that changes your mind. Maybe something happens at Michigan that changes your mind. So we’ve left it open. We’ll continue to talk to Michael. We’re gonna respect his opinion and if he wants to change that, we’ll be open to that discussion. If he wants to stay there, we’ll support him with that.”
Canada forward Michael Hage (29) looks to pass during the quarterfinals of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at 3M Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Hage enjoyed an outstanding sophomore season with the University of Michigan. He recorded 13 goals and 52 points in 39 games while leading the NCAA in assists. He also earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and helped Michigan reach the Frozen Four semifinals.
His momentum continued internationally with Team Canada. Hage captured bronze at the 2026 World Junior Championship and led the tournament with 15 points in seven games. Those performances strengthened his standing as Montreal’s top center prospect.
Meanwhile, Montreal has little reason to rush his timeline. The Canadiens emerged from rebuilding after a 48-24-10 season and reached the Eastern Conference Final. Nick Suzuki remains the established first-line center, while young contributors continue filling important roles.
Allowing Hage another college season could strengthen both his game and confidence. He has already stated that chasing a national championship, adding muscle, and growing as a leader remain priorities. Those goals fit naturally with Montreal’s long-term development plan.
MORE: Canadiens among teams ‘pushing hard’ for $46.5M Maple Leafs star
Gorton’s comments reflect organizational discipline rather than uncertainty. The Canadiens have built momentum by resisting shortcuts with young talent. Leaving Hage’s future open gives both player and team flexibility without creating unnecessary pressure before training camp.
Continue reading...
Speaking one day before the NHL Draft, Gorton explained that discussions with Hage remain ongoing rather than finalized.
“We’ve talked to Michael a lot,” Gorton said. “He’s told us that he would like to stay in school and we’ve kinda left it there. But we also told him to take some time. It’s a long summer, things happen.”
MORE: Canadiens facing competition from ‘sneaky’ teams eyeing Stars RFA Jason Robertson
Gorton also stressed that both sides will continue evaluating the situation before making a final decision.
“Maybe we add people, maybe we don’t,” Gorton said. “If there’s something that you see that changes your mind. Maybe something happens at Michigan that changes your mind. So we’ve left it open. We’ll continue to talk to Michael. We’re gonna respect his opinion and if he wants to change that, we’ll be open to that discussion. If he wants to stay there, we’ll support him with that.”
Why patience still benefits the Montreal Canadiens?
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Canada forward Michael Hage (29) looks to pass during the quarterfinals of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at 3M Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Hage enjoyed an outstanding sophomore season with the University of Michigan. He recorded 13 goals and 52 points in 39 games while leading the NCAA in assists. He also earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors and helped Michigan reach the Frozen Four semifinals.
His momentum continued internationally with Team Canada. Hage captured bronze at the 2026 World Junior Championship and led the tournament with 15 points in seven games. Those performances strengthened his standing as Montreal’s top center prospect.
Meanwhile, Montreal has little reason to rush his timeline. The Canadiens emerged from rebuilding after a 48-24-10 season and reached the Eastern Conference Final. Nick Suzuki remains the established first-line center, while young contributors continue filling important roles.
Allowing Hage another college season could strengthen both his game and confidence. He has already stated that chasing a national championship, adding muscle, and growing as a leader remain priorities. Those goals fit naturally with Montreal’s long-term development plan.
MORE: Canadiens among teams ‘pushing hard’ for $46.5M Maple Leafs star
Gorton’s comments reflect organizational discipline rather than uncertainty. The Canadiens have built momentum by resisting shortcuts with young talent. Leaving Hage’s future open gives both player and team flexibility without creating unnecessary pressure before training camp.
Continue reading...
