Michael Hage’s decision to stay at the University of Michigan instead of signing an entry-level deal with the Montreal Canadiens has already stirred up plenty of frustration among Canadiens fans. Some of them had pegged him as a possible second-line fix this season, and his choice left them wondering why he passed on the chance to join the NHL right away.
That reaction hasn’t exactly cooled as Hage’s junior-year start has taken off. Through his first six games, the forward has piled up 14 points, a pace that has him looking like an early favorite for the Hobey Baker Award.
He’ll also suit up with the U.S. Collegiate Selects at the Spengler Cup this season, which has led to jokes that he’ll accept just about any invitation except one to Montreal.
The irritation from Canadiens supporters is also tied to how crowded the Atlantic Division has become. Montreal sits at 4-3-1 with nine points, and that total leaves them as one of only two teams in the division without double-digit points. It’s still early, but the standings already suggest the East could be unforgiving, with the Metropolitan Division’s third seed possibly finishing behind the team that ends up sixth in the Atlantic.
That’s where the optimism comes in for Montreal. Hage should still be a useful late-season addition, and if the Canadiens are in a playoff spot when he arrives, there’s a chance he could slide into the lineup and make a quick impact coming out of college.
Chris Kreider offers the clearest example of how that kind of transition can work. The 2012 playoffs are the relevant case here, not 2014. Kreider had not played a regular-season game for the New York Rangers before appearing in the postseason, yet he produced seven points in 18 playoff games and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Final.
That run came after Kreider chose to remain at Boston College for the 2011-12 season. He averaged more than a point per game, won the National Championship, and then used that momentum to jump into the Rangers’ lineup in the playoffs and become a major contributor.
Michigan is capable of giving Hage the same kind of runway. The Wolverines are in the mix this season and could win it all, which would set up the possibility of Hage following the same path Kreider took. For Canadiens fans, the hope is that if Hage does arrive for his NHL postseason debut, the ending goes a little better than another Eastern Conference Final loss.
In Other News...
Canadiens Let Another Winnable Game Slip Away Late
The Canadiens had enough through two periods to feel in control, with their top line driving the offense and Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield each finishing with a goal and an assist. For a team trying to stack wins and turn promising starts into points, a 3-1 lead heading into the third period looked like the kind of game it needed to close out.
Instead, the third period turned into the latest reminder that nothing comes easy for Montreal right now. San Jose chipped away, erased the cushion and eventually finished the comeback in overtime, leaving the Canadiens with another result that will sting because the opportunity was there for the taking. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Fans Have A New Reason To Watch The Dylan Larkin Rumors
Andrei Markov got the kind of welcome at the Bell Centre that only a longtime Canadiens favorite can command, drawing a standing ovation during the game and reminding everyone how quickly old connections still matter in Montreal. It was the sort of moment that had the building buzzing before the night even moved into more serious hockey business, with familiar faces and front-office energy all around the arena.
Among those watching from above was Red Wings assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting Kris Draper, which naturally sent the rumor mill spinning in a city that never ignores a hint of roster intrigue. The timing lines up with the ongoing Dylan Larkin chatter, as Detroit is said to be looking for a major return, but there is still no trade to report and nothing concrete yet for Canadiens fans to grab onto beyond the possibility. [Read more 🡒]
Canadiens Could Get Caught In Winnipegs Goalie Drama Fast
Connor Hellebuycks standoff with the Winnipeg Jets has created a situation Montreal has to keep an eye on, even if it is not directly involved. The veteran goalie was suspended for failing to report to training camp, and with that suspension set to run out on Friday, Winnipeg suddenly faces a short-term decision on how to handle one of the biggest names on its roster.
The Jets appear hesitant to simply fold Hellebuyck back into the mix, and the possibility of a trade before Sundays meeting with the Canadiens adds another layer to a divisional matchup that was already worth watching. Montreal is monitoring the situation because any move involving Hellebuyck could ripple into the game plan for both teams, and the timing leaves Winnipeg with little room to sort out what comes next. [Read more 🡒]