What Michael Hage’s return means for Michigan Hockey

One of the more surprising and encouraging developments of the Michigan Hockey offseason is the return of Michael Hage. The rising junior right-shot forward has already established himself as a skilled, productive offensive player, notching 13 goals and 34 points as a freshman before following that up with a 13-goal, 52-point outburst this past season.

Hage was widely expected to depart the Wolverines. It would have made sense, too. He was the 21st overall pick by the Montréal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft and could have followed in the footsteps of previous top Michigan prospects who departed after two years in Ann Arbor.

However, the Canadiens boast a strong forward core, leaving Hage’s path to the big leagues a bit murky. The AHL felt like the appropriate option, though that league is far less desirable than it used to be.

For one, Hage would have no playing-time guarantees in Laval, unlike in Ann Arbor, where he will once again be a focal point of the team in 2026-27. Karine Hains of The Hockey News also shared this about Hage’s decision:

“On TVA Sports, (agent) Pat Brisson said Hage wants to gain more leadership and muscle mass, staying in NCAA gives you a lot of time in the gym, that’s what the (Canadiens) told (Cole) Caufield when they wanted him to stay for another year with Wisconsin…”

Hage is a supremely talented player, but not one without flaws. Another year under head coach Brandon Naurato with more responsibilities as an upperclassman, both on and off the ice, will only help his 200-foot game and NHL preparedness.

Big Ten hockey is at a major advantage compared to the NCHC and Hockey East with all that football and basketball money trickling through the athletic department. People will point to NIL, and while that certainly helps retain players like Hage, it is far from the only reason.

It is not as if the Wolverines’ hockey program is playing with unlimited funds, picking up the tab for whichever recruit or current player they hope to tantalize. On the other hand, the influx of money and induction of CHL players has created an NCAA so powerful that it not only rivals, but arguably has surpassed the AHL in terms of player appeal.