The Montreal Canadiens likely will get a big boost late in the 2025-26 season, even if they don't do anything huge at the trade deadline.
Top prospect Michael Hage (Michigan, NCAA) and second-round pick Alexander Zharovsky (Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL) are expected to be available to play for the Canadiens late this season after their respective campaigns conclude, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday Headlines.
Hage, who opted to return for his third year at Michigan after considering making the jump to the pro ranks last off-season, leads the NCAA in scoring with four goals and 16 assists for second-ranked Michigan.
Last year, Hage, 20, led the world junior championship in scoring with two goals and 13 assists in seven games for bronze medal-winning Canada.
The Canadiens picked Hage 21st overall in the 2024 draft.
The NCAA season wraps up April 10 with the national final. That's the same day Montreal ends its regular season, so it's possible the Canadiens would have to wait until the playoffs to have Hage as a possible option.
The 19-year-old Zharovsky, also a forward, has six goals and 12 assists in 23 KHL games this season.
The Canadiens picked him in the second round (34th overall) of the 2025 draft.
The KHL playoffs start in late March.
Ufa currently is 10th overall in the KHL standings.
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