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Michigan hockey's Michael Hage, Canadiens prospect, returning for junior year
TL;DR
Michigan hockey's Michael Hage, a Canadiens prospect, will return for his junior year in the 2026-27 season instead of joining the NHL. Hage was drafted 21st overall by Montreal in 2024 and led the Big Ten with 39 assists last season.
Michigan hockey may be losing some top talent to the NHL, but it's bringing back at least one top NHL prospect to next season's 2026-27 roster.
Sophomore forward Michael Hage will be returning to the Wolverines, per multiple reports, for the 2026-27 season instead of joining the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens drafted Hage at No. 21 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft and is the team's No. 2 prospect, according to The Athletic's Scott Wheeler.
Hage led the Big Ten with 39 assists over 39 games for the Wolverines this past season and finished second in the conference points (52) behind his teammate T.J. Hughes (57).
READ MORE: Michigan hockey star T.J. Hughes signs with Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche announced the signing of Hughes to a one-year, entry-level contract a little over an hour before the Hage news broke. Hughes was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and a finalist for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, but lost to Minnesota Duluth's Max Plante, a Detroit Red Wings prospect.
With Hughes gone next season, Hage may take up the mantle of the team's most productive forward.
As a freshman in the 2024-25 season, Hage finished second on the team in points (34) to Hughes and was named the Big Ten Rookie of the Year.
Hage helped lead the Wolverines to a No. 1 overall seed and the 2026 Frozen Four in Las Vegas, but Michigan was eliminated from the tournament with a 4-3 double-overtime loss to Denver in the semifinal.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan hockey's Michael Hage returning to Wolverines for next season
Q&A
Why is Michael Hage returning to Michigan instead of joining the Canadiens?
Michael Hage is returning to Michigan for his junior year to continue his development rather than joining the Canadiens after being drafted.
What were Michael Hage's stats during the last season at Michigan?
In the last season, Michael Hage led the Big Ten with 39 assists and finished with 52 points, ranking second in the conference.
Where was Michael Hage drafted in the NHL and what is his prospect ranking?
Michael Hage was drafted 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft and is currently ranked as the team's No. 2 prospect.
