Michael Hage Can Now Make the Jump to the Montreal Canadiens After Being Eliminated from the NCAA
Michael Hage’s journey through the NCAA has reached a pivotal moment. After being eliminated from the NCAA tournament, the talented forward is now eligible to make the jump to the NHL, and specifically, to the Montreal Canadiens, who drafted him in the 2022 NHL Draft. Hage’s path to professional hockey is now open, and the opportunity to join the Canadiens’ lineup could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his young career.
A Strong NCAA Career Cut Short
Michael Hage had a productive career at the University of Boston, where he played for the Boston University Terriers. During his time with the team, Hage developed into one of the most promising forwards in the NCAA, earning praise for his offensive game, playmaking ability, and leadership. Standing at 6’1” and 190 pounds, he brings a mix of size and skill to the ice that can make him a versatile player at the professional level. Over his tenure with Boston University, Hage showcased a strong two-way game, with the ability to contribute offensively while still being responsible defensively.
Unfortunately, the Terriers’ season came to a close earlier than they had hoped with their recent elimination from the NCAA tournament. The end of Boston University’s season opens the door for Hage to transition from college hockey to the NHL, where the Montreal Canadiens will likely be monitoring his development closely.
The Canadiens’ Investment in Hage
The Montreal Canadiens selected Michael Hage in the fourth round (128th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, and they’ve shown a keen interest in his growth and potential as a player. With their rebuild still ongoing, the Canadiens have made a concerted effort to develop young talent, and Hage’s profile fits well with the direction the team is heading. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ gives the Canadiens a versatile forward who could contribute to their future success.
At the time of the draft, Canadiens’ management saw Hage as a project with significant upside. They believed that with time and development, Hage could grow into a reliable, two-way forward capable of playing in various situations. Now, with his NCAA career officially over, the Canadiens can begin evaluating Hage more closely in their system, which could involve sending him to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, to begin adjusting to the professional level.
What’s Next for Hage?
While Hage has shown promise as a collegiate player, the transition from college to the NHL is a significant step. The Canadiens have several options for how they might use Hage in the near future. Given the team’s ongoing rebuild, there is a realistic possibility that Hage will first spend time with Laval in the AHL, where he can further hone his skills and adjust to the speed and intensity of the professional game. A successful stint with Laval could set the stage for a call-up to the NHL, depending on how well Hage adapts to the professional game.
One of the key aspects of Hage’s game that will be closely evaluated by the Canadiens is his consistency and ability to elevate his performance against stronger competition. His performance in the AHL will be crucial for determining whether he is ready to make the jump to the NHL. Additionally, the Canadiens’ need for forwards who can contribute both offensively and defensively means that Hage’s two-way abilities could be an asset to the team as they continue their rebuild.
A Bright Future Ahead
Although Hage is still early in his professional hockey career, his prospects look promising. The Montreal Canadiens’ investment in him, coupled with his own development, gives Hage a strong foundation for success. Whether it’s in the AHL or the NHL, Hage’s ability to contribute offensively while also playing a reliable defensive game makes him an intriguing prospect for the Canadiens.
The end of his NCAA journey is just the beginning of a new chapter. As the Canadiens look to solidify their future, Michael Hage could very well become a key piece of the puzzle as they continue to build toward success. With his next steps now unfolding, hockey fans in Montreal have a new name to keep an eye on as the franchise’s rebuild continues.
