Michael Hage: the Canadiens’ best prospect, according to Marco D’Amico

Mathis Therrien
Michael Hage: the Canadiens’ best prospect, according to Marco D’Amico
Credit: Twitter screenshot

When it comes to evaluating and ranking the Canadiens' various prospects, it's no easy task.

Now that Ivan Demidov is no longer part of the Habs' bank of prospects, there's no consensus for the Habs' top prospect.

However, there certainly could be one in the next few days.

Indeed, with the 2026 World Junior Championship kicking off yesterday, many prospects, including those of the Habs, will be in action and will have the chance to stand out.

And of the five Habs prospects at the tournament, the one we're keeping our eye on the most is, of course, Canada's forward, Michael Hage.

Hage had an excellent debut last night with three points, including a goal, against the Czech Republic, and if he continues with this kind of dominant performance, he could very well cement his place as the Habs' top prospect.

In fact, that's the position Marco D'Amico already gave him before the start of the WJC.

For D'Amico, there's no doubt that Hage has the potential to become a top-6 player with the Canadiens, and very soon.

He's getting really close to the NHL, and his performances in the NCAA this season show just how talented he is and how well he can lead a line.

His line with the University of Michigan is probably the best in the entire circuit, thanks in large part to Hage, who was the NCAA's second-highest scorer before leaving for the World Junior Championship.

In short, as D'Amico explains so well in the latest episode of his podcast with Shaun Starr, the Canadiens hold Hage in the highest regard, and he's clearly seen as the solution for the second center position.

If the Habs have yet to make a deal for a top-6 center, it's because they believe in Hage's short-, medium-, and long-term potential.

We don't want to block a spot for him.

In short, it's very interesting to see Hage ranked as the Habs' top prospect, with D'Amico placing him ahead of Jacob Fowler (2nd), David Reinbacher (3rd), Alexander Zharovsky (4th), and Adam Engstrom (5th).

For the rest of the top 10, listen to the episode on YouTube.


Overtime

– It continues today.

– It's clear.

– So much the better.

– Indeed.

– We'll be watching closely.

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