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DISASTER HITS HABS! Michael Hage’s latest decision could cost the Canadiens dearly

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Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage has changed his plans. He ultimately decided to delay his immediate arrival with the Canadiens, partly because of an injury—an injury that could prove extremely costly for Kent Hughes, in every sense of the word.

Michael Hage will not play for the Canadiens this season. A spring injury delayed his move to the professional ranks by a full year. The Canadiens were ready to offer him a contract last spring. But a late-season injury prevented him from playing, even with the Laval Rocket. Rather than sign while banged up, Hage preferred to wait. He ultimately chose to remain in the NCAA for the upcoming season.

That decision has a direct consequence. His arrival with the Canadiens, and therefore the timeline for his second contract, have both been pushed back by one year. Instead of being eligible to sign a contract extension in the summer of 2027, he will have to wait until 2028. That difference may seem minor, but it matters. With salaries continuing to rise, every passing year benefits young players who perform.

Michael Hage’s delay could reshape his second contract. Anthony Désaulniers raised an interesting comparison. Burning a year off his entry-level contract ultimately helped the Canadiens in Lane Hutson’s case. Hutson spent two years in the NCAA instead of three. The result? Kent Hughes was able to sign him at the ideal time.

“Just imagine for a second. Lane Hutson doesn’t play those two games against Detroit in 2024 and only becomes eligible for a contract extension this summer. After two seasons with 66 and 78 points. How much would he have signed for?”

That’s exactly what could happen here with Michael Hage. A strong rookie season in 2027-28 would change a lot for him, and his second contract could be massive… all because of his injury and his decision to delay everything by one season.

The gamble still comes with some risk. Another injury or an ordinary season could wipe out that advantage, but still. For now, Hage is heading back to enjoy himself and continue developing in the NCAA. And if everything goes well, this setback could become his greatest ally—and the Canadiens’ most expensive headache.