In a move that has stunned fans and analysts alike, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly preparing to part ways with top prospect Michael Hage, just months after publicly calling him one of the organization’s most critical development projects.
Hage, a highly-touted center selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, was viewed by many within the organization as a cornerstone for the team’s long-term rebuild. General manager Kent Hughes and development staff had repeatedly praised the 18-year-old’s high hockey IQ, playmaking ability, and leadership potential. Hage was even labeled “the most important development project” in several offseason interviews a statement that now appears alarmingly contradictory.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, internal tensions and shifting strategic priorities have led to the shocking decision to release Hage from his entry-level development plan. While the Canadiens have not made an official announcement, several NHL insiders confirm the front office has already informed Hage’s representatives of their intent to cut ties.
The reasoning behind the move remains unclear, though speculation suggests that ongoing concerns about his recovery from a pre-draft shoulder injury, as well as potential clashes in development philosophy, may have played a role. Others believe Montreal’s recent surge in acquiring NHL-ready talent has made some long-term projects expendable.
The news has sparked widespread disbelief across the hockey community. Many fans saw Hage as a future top-six center who could eventually lead the team alongside stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Now, that vision appears to be abruptly erased.
If released, Hage will become a free agent, and it’s expected that multiple NHL teams will pursue the young forward, given his raw potential and upside. For the Canadiens, however, this decision marks a stunning and controversial departure from a development strategy they had so firmly embraced just months ago.
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