Canadiens expect top prospects Hage, Zharovsky to be available late this season
The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly refused to trade the two forwards despite interest from other teams.
MONTREAL · The Montreal Canadiens expect their top forward prospects, Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky, to be available to join the NHL roster late this season after their respective campaigns conclude. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the team is operating under the impression both players will be with the club by the end of the regular season or for a potential playoff run. The Canadiens have reportedly refused to include the two highly touted prospects in trade discussions despite interest from other teams. Friedman noted that almost every trade talk the team has been involved in has centred on other clubs' interest in Hage and Zharovsky.
Friedman pointed out on Saturday night that "Montreal's playing tonight. They've been kind of in the middle of every rumor that's been out there." He added that the Canadiens see Hage and Zharovsky as players for them as soon as their seasons end. Hage, 20, is currently playing for the University of Michigan in the NCAA, where he leads the nation in scoring with four goals and 16 assists in nine games for the second-ranked Wolverines. The centre was selected 21st overall by Montreal in the 2024 NHL draft. He opted to return for his third year at Michigan after considering making the jump to the pro ranks last off-season.
Last season, Hage led the world junior championship in scoring with two goals and 13 assists in seven games, helping Canada win a bronze medal. The NCAA season concludes with the national final on April 10, which is the same day the Canadiens end their regular season. That timing means Montreal may have to wait until the playoffs to potentially insert Hage into the lineup. Through 81 career NCAA games, Hage has recorded 30 goals and 76 assists.
Zharovsky, 19, is playing for Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League. The forward has six goals and 12 assists in 23 KHL games this season. He was selected by the Canadiens in the second round, 34th overall, in the 2025 NHL draft. His KHL team, Ufa, currently sits 10th in the league standings. The Canadiens' regular season concludes on April 10 against the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre.
With files from Sportsnet and The Sick Podcast