Canadiens' Top Prospect Returning to NCAA for 2026-27 Season

Michael Hage will remain at the University of Michigan for another year to continue his development.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:23am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the abstracted forms of college hockey players in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, bright white, and metallic silver colors representing the multifaceted factors behind a top prospect's decision to stay in school.A conceptual illustration capturing the complex, multi-faceted decision-making process behind a top NHL prospect's choice to remain in college hockey for another season.Philadelphia Today

The Montreal Canadiens' top prospect, Michael Hage, will be returning to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 NCAA hockey season instead of joining the Canadiens organization. Hage's agent, Pat Brisson, cited the need for Hage to gain more physical maturity and have a leading role with increased responsibilities at Michigan as the key reasons for the decision.

Why it matters

Hage was the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and the Canadiens were hoping to have their top prospect join the team this season as they make a playoff push. However, the Canadiens organization and Hage's representatives believe an additional year of college hockey will be beneficial for his long-term development before making the jump to the NHL.

The details

In his first two seasons at the University of Michigan, Hage has shown steady improvement, increasing his goal total from 13 to 13 and his assist total from 24 to 39. The Wolverines' loss in double overtime in the Frozen Four tournament may have also played a factor in Hage's decision to return to school for another year.

  • Hage was the 21st overall selection of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Canadiens.
  • In his freshman season at the University of Michigan, Hage scored 13 goals and added 24 assists.
  • In his sophomore campaign, Hage scored 13 goals and recorded 39 assists as Michigan made it to the Frozen Four.
  • The Canadiens are currently 47-23-10 on the season, good for third place in the Atlantic Division.

The players

Michael Hage

The Montreal Canadiens' top prospect, who will be returning to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 season to continue his development.

Pat Brisson

Hage's agent, who stated that an additional year of college hockey will be beneficial for Hage's physical maturity and leadership responsibilities at Michigan.

Elliotte Friedman

A hockey insider who provided additional context on Hage's decision to return to school, including the possibility of his brother joining the Wolverines.

Porter Martone

A player for the Philadelphia Flyers who has made his NHL debut after his college season.

Alexander Hage

Michael Hage's brother, who could potentially join the University of Michigan and play alongside Michael next season.

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What they’re saying

“After discussing it with him and the Canadiens organization, we concluded that another year in college would be the best option for his development. He still needs to gain a bit more physical maturity. Additionally, he will have a leading role and leadership responsibilities next year, which will greatly help his progression before moving on to the next step within the Canadiens organization.”

— Pat Brisson, Hage's agent

“I think for Hage, there's a few things here. No. 1, increased role at Michigan next year, even more than he had this year. No. 2, unfinished business; they just lost in the Frozen Four. No. 3, the possibility his brother (Alexander) could join the Wolverines and play there. So that was the decision he made.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Hockey insider

What’s next

The Canadiens will continue their playoff push without Hage, as they are currently third in the Atlantic Division with a 47-23-10 record. They will next face the New York Islanders on Sunday night.

The takeaway

Hage's decision to return to the University of Michigan for another year demonstrates the Canadiens' commitment to developing their top prospects properly, even if it means delaying their NHL debut. This move prioritizes Hage's long-term growth and potential over immediate NHL contributions, which could pay dividends for the Canadiens in the future.