Many are hopeful that Michael Hage will become the next second-line center for the Montreal Canadiens. These people are also very eager to see him make the jump to professional hockey.

However, there is a debate as to whether the 21st overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the last amateur draft is ready to make the transition to professional hockey.

Even though he was named Rookie of the Year in the Big Ten, Hage still has a lot to learn. As mentioned earlier, Director of Player Development, Rob Ramage, as well as Hage’s NCAA coach, Brandon Naurato, both believe the young man will need to be patient.

Hage himself said at that time, in an interview with Arpon Basu for The Athletic, that he wanted to emphasize patience in his decision to turn pro.

Michael Hage can technically sign with the Habs right now

Despite all these calls for patience, Hage could still change his mind and agree to terms with the Montreal Canadiens organization. In fact, he’s free to do so right now if he wishes, since his NCAA season has officially ended.

Indeed, the University of Michigan was eliminated from their conference tournament by Penn State University about two weeks ago. Since then, the Wolverines had been waiting to find out if they would be among the 16 teams participating in the Frozen Four tournament.

That was confirmed Friday night following a 3-2 overtime loss by Cornell University (ranked 17th) to Quinnipiac University (ranked 13th).

Even though he can sign with the Habs, it remains to be seen whether he will. Everything points, as mentioned above, to another season in the NCAA.

My verdict: He will play another season with the University of Michigan Wolverines, but surprises can always happen!