Should Michael Hage be "one-and-done" at the University of Michigan?

Michael Hage didn't have a good start to his USHL season in 2023-24. It was understandable for the draft-year forward, as he suffered the devastating loss of his father in the offseason. He showed strength by moving away from home and playing with the Chicago Steel. It was a testament to his character and work ethic. Hage's finish to his USHL season was enough to show that he should still be a first-round pick, which the Montreal Canadiens confirmed with the 21st overall pick.

Hage recorded points in 26 of his final 30 games last season. He had 3+ points in nine of those 30 games. It was an unbelievable pace for a draft-year forward and set the table for him to star with the University of Michigan in his freshman season. Hage proved over his first four games that he will be one of the top freshmen in college hockey this season. He has points in every game, tallying six total and goals in three straight.

Will Smith's season could be telling

Will Smith is undergoing the same development plan that Canadiens fans hope the team will use with Hage. The San Jose Sharks drafted Smith with the fourth pick in the 2023 draft, but he didn't sign with the team. He attended Boston College for his freshman season, where he had 25 goals and 46 assists in 41 games. It looked like Smith was ready to play in the NHL, but his first three games haven't reflected it.

I'm not ready to give up on Smith just because he has no points in three games. However, if his struggles continue, the Sharks could wish they had kept him in college for one more season to chase a National Championship with the Eagles and further his development. Instead, they rushed him into the NHL in a lineup where he won't have much help.

The skill surrounding him is where Hage and Smith's case could differ. Ivan Demidov will likely also debut with the Canadiens next season, which would give the Canadiens an above-average top nine that would give Hage a comfortable spot to get his feet wet. Dach has been struggling this season, and the noise will build around Hage being the No. 2 center alongside Demidov in 2025-26.

It'll be important to monitor Smith's season this season to see if getting Hage out of college early is the correct move. There's a good chance Hage will be a professional by next season, and Habs fans hope it'll be a successful move for the organization. However, if Smith's season is a disaster, it could make Kent Hughes and co. think harder about the possibility.