Tough Decisions Loom for Canadiens' St. Louis, Including What to Do With Hage BROSSARD, Que. — As the 2025-26 NHL season enters its final stretch, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis faces a series of complex decisions that could shape the team’s playoff prospects. Central to this dilemma is the potential inclusion of 19-year-old forward Michael Hage, a 21st-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft who has already demonstrated NHL readiness during his college tenure with the Michigan Wolverines. With four games remaining in the regular season, the Canadiens are four points out of first place in the Eastern Conference and tied for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. St. Louis has emphasized that winning games and securing playoff positioning remain his top priorities, but recent lineup adjustments suggest he is also considering how to best utilize his roster for the postseason. Hage, who has compiled 26 goals and 85 points in 71 games over the past two seasons, is set to compete in the NCAA Frozen Four, where the Wolverines face the Denver Pioneers in a semifinal on Thursday. If Michigan advances to the national championship on Saturday, Hage could be available to the Canadiens by then. However, St. Louis has not yet confirmed whether he will activate Hage for a regular-season game before the playoffs, despite the player’s potential to fit seamlessly into the team’s top lines. The coach’s reluctance to commit to a plan is underscored by his recent tactical shifts, including moving Alex Texier back into the lineup after a seven-game absence due to a lower-body injury. Texier’s return to the second line, paired with Oliver Kapanen and Phillip Danault, has created a new dynamic that St. Louis appears to be testing.#michigan_wolverines #denver_pioneers #montreal_canadiens #martin_st_louis #michael_hage
Why Michael Hage will be a difference-maker for the Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens’ pursuit of success in the 2026 NHL season may hinge on the development of a young talent who has already made a name for himself on the international stage and in college hockey. Michael Hage, the 21st overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, has emerged as a key figure in the Canadiens’ long-term plans, with his potential to elevate the team’s performance already being recognized by scouts and analysts. Hage’s journey from a standout prospect in junior hockey to a rising star in NCAA competition has positioned him as one of the most promising players in the game, and his upcoming transition to the NHL could mark a pivotal moment for the Canadiens. Hage’s performance at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship (WJC) underscored his ability to thrive under pressure, despite the Canadian team’s bronze-medal finish. While the team fell short of gold, Hage’s contributions were undeniable. He led all players with 13 assists and 15 points, serving as the engine of the team’s offensive efforts. His ability to create scoring chances for teammates, combined with his physicality and hockey IQ, made him a standout performer. Despite the team’s struggles in the final games of the tournament, Hage’s playmaking skills and leadership on the ice were evident, earning him recognition as one of the tournament’s top prospects. The 19-year-old’s college career at the University of Michigan has further solidified his reputation as a top-tier player. Over the past two seasons, Hage has been a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ offense, tallying 13 goals and 51 points in 38 games during the 2025-26 season. In the previous season, he added 34 points in 33 games, bringing his two-year total to 85 points.#university_of_michigan #montreal_canadiens #iihf_world_junior_championship #michael_hage #brandon_naurato
