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An interesting new possibility has just been raised by two sources regarding young Michael Hage and the Montreal Canadiens.
What if Michael Hage changed his mind this summer?
And we have already seen this scenario happen before.
And journalist Renaud Lavoie opened the door as well.
“Michael Hage has decided to remain at Michigan, where he could become the next captain of the team.
Still, he could also change his mind during the offseason, as we have already seen happen in the past.”
– Renaud Lavoie
There is precedent for it.
In May 2023, Logan Cooley, the third overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, announced he was returning to the University of Minnesota for a second season.
Two months later, on July 27, 2023, he reversed his decision and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes.
Michael Hage could follow Logan Cooley’s path and reverse his decision for the Montreal Canadiens
Could Hage do the same thing?
His decision to stay at Michigan is rare, but not unique.
Journalist Cloutier identified a handful of first-round picks who played three NCAA seasons before joining the professional ranks.
Among them were players such as Chris Kreider, T.J. Oshie and Blake Wheeler, who did not take long to make an impact in the NHL after their extended time at the college level.
Hage became a more complete player during his second season at Michigan.
He finished first in the NCAA for completed passes into the slot and in the 85th percentile for puck battles won.
The Montreal Canadiens wanted to see him improve defensively and in the faceoff circle.
That has been accomplished.
By signing an entry-level contract for 2026-2027, Hage would not be guaranteed a spot in Montreal.
But he would have an opportunity to earn a place during training camp.
General manager Kent Hughes will keep the door open all summer.
And Hage will have plenty of time to think about it.
This is a situation to follow very closely this summer, but according to several experts, the possibility of a dramatic twist is very real in this specific case.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Michael Hage could still sign with Canadiens despite Michigan return decision
Will Michael Hage change his mind and sign with the Montreal Canadiens this summer?