Michael Hage confirms it: he will be returning to the NCAA for a third year

Marc-Olivier Cook
Michael Hage confirms it: he will be returning to the NCAA for a third year
Credit: Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Last week, Jeff Gorton spoke with the media ahead of the draft.

And, as mentioned, he indicated that there was a possibility Hage might make the jump to the National Hockey League for the upcoming season.

But that won't happen. Hage has confirmed that he'll be returning to the NCAA for a third year.

Is this the end of the world? Not necessarily, no.

Hage will have the opportunity to win the NCAA championship because he'll be in great company at Michigan. He's giving himself a shot at winning with his teammates, but above all, it will allow him to refine his game by playing center and gain maturity by taking on a key role within his team.

Remember: he's played more at wing than at center since the start of his college career… and Hage really wanted to go back to college to work on his game.

Because his ultimate goal is to play center in the National Hockey League. 

One has to wonder, though, what the Canadiens think of all this.

Management may say they support his decision and wanted to give him time to think things through… but of course we would have liked to see him in Montreal as soon as possible. The Habs haven't managed to pull off the trade we've been expecting since the start of the summer, and Hage could have helped Kent Hughes address certain issues.

Now, the Habs really need to turn to another option to add talent to their offense. Because if things stay this way…

(Credit: Screenshot / PuckPedia)

Michael Hage had a strong second season in the NCAA in '25–'26 (52 points, including 13 goals, in 39 games), and we can expect him to dominate again next season.

That's the plan, at least.

And if that happens, he'll be even more ready to make the leap to the pros at the end of his college season. 


In Brief

– Trade between the Sabres and the Oilers.

– Big contract for Jacob Trouba.

– Luke Schenn returns to Vancouver.

– Well…

– Note to self.

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