Michigan Hockey Star Michael Hage Returning for Junior Season

Canadiens prospect to remain with Wolverines instead of turning pro

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a college hockey game, with sharp planes of maize and blue (University of Michigan colors) overlapping with red and blue (Montreal Canadiens colors), conceptually representing the intersection of Hage's college and professional hockey careers.Hage's decision to remain at Michigan adds star power to the Wolverines' lineup for the 2026-27 season.Today in Detroit

Michigan hockey forward Michael Hage, a 2024 first-round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens, will return to the Wolverines for his junior season in 2026-27 instead of turning pro. Hage led the Big Ten in assists last season and finished second in conference scoring behind his teammate T.J. Hughes, who recently signed with the Colorado Avalanche.

Why it matters

Hage's decision to stay in college is a big boost for the Michigan hockey program, which is losing several top players to the NHL. As the Wolverines' most productive returning forward, Hage will be counted on to lead the team's offense next season.

The details

Hage, a sophomore this past season, led the Big Ten with 39 assists and finished second in conference scoring with 52 points. He was named the Big Ten Rookie of the Year in 2024-25 after finishing second on the team in scoring as a freshman. The Canadiens selected Hage with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and he is currently the team's No. 2 prospect according to The Athletic.

  • Hage led the Big Ten in assists (39) and finished second in points (52) during the 2025-26 season.
  • The Canadiens drafted Hage in the first round (21st overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.
  • Hage's teammate T.J. Hughes signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche just before the Hage news broke.

The players

Michael Hage

A sophomore forward for the University of Michigan hockey team who was a first-round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2024 and is the team's No. 2 prospect.

T.J. Hughes

Hage's teammate at Michigan, who was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and a finalist for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award before signing with the Colorado Avalanche.

Max Plante

A forward for Minnesota Duluth who won the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top NCAA hockey player.

Montreal Canadiens

The NHL team that drafted Hage in the first round in 2024 and considers him their No. 2 prospect.

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL team that signed Hage's Michigan teammate T.J. Hughes to a one-year, entry-level contract.

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What they’re saying

“With Hughes gone next season, Hage may take up the mantle of the team's most productive forward.”

— Christian Romo, Author

The takeaway

Hage's decision to return to Michigan for his junior season is a significant boost for the Wolverines' hockey program, which is losing several key players to the NHL. As one of the top prospects in the Canadiens' system, Hage will be counted on to lead Michigan's offense next season and help the team make another run at the Frozen Four.