Michael Hage’s choice to head back to Michigan is being framed as a development move, not a financial one.
That clarification came from Marco D’Amico, who said the money angle has taken on a life of its own and doesn’t reflect why the right-shot forward in the Montreal Canadiens organization made the call. In D’Amico’s view, Hage returned to school because he believes that’s the best route for his growth.
The numbers being discussed are tied to what Hage would eventually earn once he signs his NHL entry-level contract. D’Amico said that deal would likely come with a $1.075 million cap hit, built from a $922,000 base salary, a $102,500 signing bonus, and performance bonuses.
He also laid out what the alternative would have looked like in the AHL. Hage’s salary there would have been around $90,000 to $95,000, plus the same $102,500 signing bonus, which D’Amico said would add up to roughly $200,000 if he had played in Laval.
But the key point, according to D’Amico’s sources, is that Hage is not making that kind of money by staying at Michigan.
"Just to clarify, when Hage does sign his ELC, it'll likely be a $1.075M cap hit (922K in salary, 102.5K in signing bonuses + performance bonuses)
AHL salary would have been 90/95K + a 102.5K signing bonus (roughly 200K).
According to sources, he's not making that at Michigan."
D’Amico said the real story is simpler than the debate around the paycheck: Hage wants to arrive in Montreal ready, and he wants to become the best center he can before making the NHL leap. It’s a patient decision, and one that, in this telling, is about preparation rather than dollars.
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