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Sunday Habs Headlines: Michael Hage opts for another year in the NCAA

In today’s links, Hage decides to return to Michigan, Dobson sustains an injury, Slafkovský’s supporting role, Matheson receives media honour, the playoff picture takes shape, and Alexander Ovechkin gets celebrated in Pittsburgh.

Posted on by Justin Blades
Denver defenseman Eric Jamieson (15) passes the puck against Michigan forward Michael Hage (19) during the third period of the Frozen Four semifinal at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 9, 2026 | Credit: Detroit Free Press

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

  • Michael Hage has decided to return to Michigan for another season rather than sign his entry-level contract with the Canadiens this spring. [Sportsnet]
  • Noah Dobson was being evaluated for an injury after blocking a shot with his hand. [TVA Sports]
  • Nick Suzuki is the Canadiens’ 2025-26 MVP. [The Athletic]
  • Juraj Slafkovský is playing a major supporting role in the milestone chases of his linemates. [La Presse]
  • Will Cole Caufield score 50 goals again? [Radio-Canada]
  • Mike Matheson was granted the Jacques-Beauchamp-Molson Trophy by the media as the Canadiens’ unsung hero. [TVA Sports]
  • As the Canadiens become a more experienced bunch, the conversations among the players have turned toward parenting advice. [La Presse]
  • Joshua Roy’s hat trick was the difference in a 5-2 win for the Laval Rocket on Saturday. [La Presse]
  • Mikus Vecvanags made 78 saves for the Victoria Grizzlies to help them take a 3-2 series lead in the BCHL playoffs. [RDS]

Around the league and elsewhere

  • The Detroit Red Wings surrendered three consecutive goals in the third period to fall 5-3 to the New Jersey Devils, a loss that extended their playoff drought to 10 years. [NHL.com]
  • Detroit’s loss allowed the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins to lock down playoff berths as the two Eastern Conference wild-card teams. [Sportsnet]
  • The Edmonton Oilers clinched a playoff spot, thanks to a loss by the Winnipeg Jets. [TSN]
  • Pittsburgh Penguins fans gave Alexander Ovechkin a standing ovation in what may have been his final game in the city. [NHL.com]
  • Anze Kopitar hopes his speech for the Los Angeles Kings home crowd isn’t the final time they see him in uniform. [NHL.com]
  • Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar was taken to the hospital after getting hit in the face with a puck on Saturday. [Sportsnet]
  • The Avalanche signed NCAA free agent T.J. Hughes to an entry-level contract. [TSN]
  • Julien BriseBois discusses the changes he’s seen in his 25 years in the NHL. [La Presse]
  • The Denver Pioneers are the 2026 NCAA champions. [NHL.com]

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