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With training camp a month away, the Montreal Canadiens have yet to make a significant change to their roster. The early roster projection following free agency week is the same as the one in the playoffs with the exception of Brendan Gallagher’s departure.
There’s pending answers needed before the start of the regular season. One unanswered question concerns the second line centre position. It’s been a recurring theme for the Canadiens since the beginning of the Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton era. Their first significant acquisition during their tenure was Kirby Dach, hoping he fills that role. Four seasons later, the gap still remains.
For now, the most likely candidates to claim that spot are Oliver Kapanen, Jake Evans, and Alex Newhook. Management’s inability to find a solution has some fans looking for other options. One of them being Michael Hage.
Michael Hage
Hage announced in April that he will return to the University of Michigan for the 2026–27 season. The 20‑year‑old, drafted 21st overall by the Canadiens in 2024, will be entering his third NCAA season.
“The last two years have been the most important of my life for my development, both as a player and as a person. I can keep getting better and get even closer to making that jump to the next level. I’m going to work on situations I didn’t get to play in this year, improve on the parts of my game where I’m not the best yet, and work on my leadership. Being a leader is really important to me,” Hage said during development camp.
Hughes and Gorton said that they had a contract ready if he turned pro, but support his decision. Some fans are not as supportive. A portion of the fanbase views Hage as the immediate solution for the second line centre role.
“I saw him play at center last year and I liked what I saw. He was responsible defensively, he was a guy who got involved, and he played a 200-foot game. I liked what I saw from him down the middle,” development coach Francis Bouillon said at the conclusion of development camp.
“He’s shown great progression. He’s a player who wants to make a difference—he’s passionate, and you can see that right away. As soon as he has the puck, he wants to put it in the net. He’s a playmaker. I went to see him play last year at Michigan, we had some good conversations, and I love what I see,” Bouillon added.
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