As the Montreal Canadiens begin making calls around the NHL to begin trade discussions, the other teams likely are going to start with whether or not Michael Hage is available. The University of Michigan center is the Canadiens' best prospect and looks to be ready for a Top 6 role in the NHL very early in his career.
The hope was that Hage would make the jump to the NHL and the Canadiens at the conclusion of the Wolverines' season earlier this year. Unfortunately, Hage elected to return to Michigan for next season and has delayed his NHL debut at least one year.
For the Canadiens, they could be patient and trust the process as they rebuild the franchise. However, after a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, they could make him available if the right player came along who not only can help them win this season but also be a long-term part of their roster.
There are not many players that realistically reach that threshold, but when looking at players potentially available, these are a few that certainly could fall into that category.
Nico Hischier
Most of the NHL is going to watch the contract negotiations closely between the New Jersey Devils and Nico Hischier. The Devils' center is entering the final year of his contract, and if the Devils get the indication that the two sides are too far apart, then they might begin having trade discussions with other teams.
The Montreal Canadiens should be one of those teams because Hischier is a perfect answer to what this team needs. The Canadiens desperately need another center behind Nick Suzuki for their second line, and Hischier would fit in nicely next to Ivan Demidov and maybe Alex Newhook
For the Devils, they don't necessarily need to make a trade this summer, and Montreal might have to pay up a bit to get a deal done. A trade starting with Michael Hage should pique the interest of the Devils, while the Canadiens get a player who can help right now.
Dylan Larkin
Another center who can help the Canadiens win now but also would be more than a one-year fix is center Dylan Larkin. The Detroit Red Wings' center surprised many when he requested a trade, but didn't help out Steve Yzerman much with a limited list of teams he would waive his no-trade clause to be traded to.
The Canadiens were not one of those teams, so that is one of the hurdles that must be cleared to get a deal done. However, Larkin would be a great answer to fill that need for a 2C for the Canadiens with 65 or more points in each of the past five seasons on an average Red Wings' team.
While Larkin is older than Hischier, he is under contract for five more seasons with a cap hit of $8.7 million. This certainly could be viewed as a positive, as the Canadiens don't need to worry about negotiating a new deal, and Larkin's AAV will likely be less than what Hischier gets on his next deal.
Jason Robertson
It is rather remarkable that the Dallas Stars have not been able to agree to a long-term deal with Jason Robertson. After a year of the two sides being unable to agree on a new deal, Robertson is set to be a restricted free agent and could be available for the right offer.
That offer could be the Montreal Canadiens, including Michael Hage, in a trade for Robertson. For the Canadiens, Robertson doesn't address their need at center but gives them another dynamic forward who has had 80 or more points in each of the past four seasons.
Robertson is set to turn 27 before the 2026-27 season, and with a new contract can be a part of the young core that the Canadiens are trying to put together for sustained success year after year.
Michael Hage is going to be a good NHL player and certainly can help the Montreal Canadiens after his upcoming season with Michigan is over. However, if they want someone to help them this season, these are three players that they should be willing to offer Hage as part of the return in a trade.
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