In an interview with Marco D'Amico for RG.org [https://rg.org/news/hockey/canadiens-michael-hage-on-early-ncaa-success-hockey-canada-snub-and-more], Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage revealed he's not in a rush to turn pro. The youngster is having a great start to his NCAA career, with nine points in as many games, but his focus is on becoming the best player he can be while helping his University of Michigan team perform well. The panel discusses whether Montreal Canadiens' Cole Caufield is about to achieve elite status in the NHL. While many struggle to make the transition from the USHL to the NCAA, it seems to have come easy for Hage. From what he told D'Amico, a lot of work went into it, not just from himself but from everyone around him. So far, in his rookie season, he has nine points in nine games and has showcased some tremendous offensive skill that has had fans foaming at the mouth. Fans will need to be patient, though, for now; when asked about his future, the center replied: It’s about taking it one year at a time. I’m in no rush. I want to develop my game and help Michigan win a championship at the same time. Just like any drafted players, though, he'll talk with his agent, consult with the Canadiens once the season is over, take what they want to do, and go from there. So far, the Habs have been known to be patient with players in the NCAA. They asked Cole Caufield to play a sophomore year in College (although that was the previous administration) and waited until Jordan Harris graduated before signing him. High-profile goaltender prospect Jacob Fowler is also playing a sophomore season with Boston College right now. Don't get your hopes up about Hage participating in the World Junior Championships this season. The youngster explains that Hockey Canada has a habit of favouring the players who are playing in the CHL, which he understands. This may change, though, considering the changes made to the NCAA eligibility rules. Now that players who have played in the CHL can join the NCAA, Hockey Canada may just have to have an open mind if it wants to attract the top talents. Hage will be back in action on Nov. 22 when Michigan takes on Penn State, and there's no denying it should be a game worth watching for Canadiens fans. Penn State has yet to get a point this season and has a minus-five differential. The Habs prospect might just be able to add a few points to his tally. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains [https://x.com/KarineHains] Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/karinehains.bsky.social] and Threads @karinehains [https://www.threads.net/@karinehains] Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/] for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens
