In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start with the Montreal Canadiens, who were informed that one of their top prospects, Michael Hage, will be returning to the NCAA next season. Is there any reason to panic? Next, we look at the Ottawa Senators, who clinched a playoff berth, but after a strange injury, Brady Tkachuk’s availability may be in question.
Finally, the New Jersey Devils are continuing their search for a new general manager, and a former player who spent nine seasons with the club may be up for the task.
No Reason for Panic Over Michael Hage Decision
As soon as the news broke that Hage would be returning to the NCAA, many Canadiens fans and broader hockey fans were wondering what this meant for the relationship between the team and player. The hockey world is developing into a place where players are taking more control of their destiny – is this the case here?
On Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman gave some relief for those worried.
Hage was selected 21st overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and just had a great sophomore season with the University of Michigan Wolverines, posting 52 points in 39 games. Now, with two seasons under his belt and a playoff-bound team waiting for his arrival in the NHL, what led to his decision to return to the Wolverines?
Friedman noted that during a meeting between the player and the team representatives, general manager Kent Hughes made it be known that the decision was in Hage’s hands, and there would be no animosity from the team regardless of the decision.
He also added that Hage may have a feeling that there is unfinished business. The Wolverines were knocked out of the Frozen Four by the University of Denver, and with a great team lined up for next season, too, Hage may want that championship.
On top of wanting the championship, a player of his pedigree doesn’t often return for a junior year. He is going to have a huge role on the team and will get to be a leader for them. Friedman also noted that a second Hage could be joining the Wolverines, and Michael playing with his brother, Alexander, could be a factor, too.
Whichever of these factors sits at the forefront of his mind, there shouldn’t be any concern about his future with the club. He is an excellent prospect, the team is excited about his arrival, and he just wanted to wait until next year for this.
Dobson to be Re-Evaluated in 2 Weeks
During the Canadiens’ matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 11, Noah Dobson took a point shot to what appears to be his thumb. The Canadiens announced that Dobson would be re-evaluated in two weeks and that defenseman David Reinbacher has been recalled.
In his first season with the Canadiens, Dobson has put together a great season. With 47 points, his offensive impact from the blue line has been tremendous, especially considering he isn’t their primary source of defensive production. On top of that, he set a new career-high in blocked shots, and has been playing over 22 minutes per game.
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As for Reinbacher, he has been putting together a strong season in the American Hockey League. The big thing for him was staying healthy, and with 57 games under his belt this season, he has been a good two-way presence.
The Canadiens have two games remaining, and Reinbacher will join the team in New York as they are set to play the New York Islanders on April 12.
Brady Tkachuk Leaves Game 80 After Bizarre Injury
The Senators have been playing must-win hockey for a few weeks, and Tkachuk has risen to the occasion. He took some criticism in the weeks following the Olympics, but that seems to have acted as a wake-up call, and since then, he has been playing some of the best hockey this season.
Against the New York Islanders, the Senators’ captain was heading towards the benches, and as Ryan Pulock hops over the boards, Tkachuk experiences what appears to be a combination of pain and dizziness. Pulock’s stick comes close to Tkachuk’s head/neck area, but whether or not contact was made is unclear, and even if there was contact, it wasn’t enough to send a player into that kind of state.
Speculation isn’t always helpful with NHL injuries, but some people are suggesting Tkachuk’s flinch to avoid contact could have strained a muscle or pulled something. It truly was a bizarre sequence.
Head coach Travis Green is likely to give an update on Tkachuk’s status on April 12, but Friedman stated that there were no long-term concerns about his health.
Langenbrunner Emerges as Devils GM Candidate
As the Devils continue their search for the next general manager, one name connected to the team is Jamie Langenbrunner. He spent parts of nine seasons with the Devils as a player and was a big part of the 2003 Stanley Cup run.
Since retirement, Langenbrunner has spent the last 11 seasons with the Boston Bruins. Originally joining on as a development coach, he worked his way to becoming the director of player development, followed by a promotion to an assistant general manager.
The path to a general manager job is open for him, and he while it may not happen right away, he is on track to get there.
James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now reported that the Devils have Langenbrunner on their list of candidates. Daily Faceoff’s Anthony Di Marco reported the same, labelling him as a “strong candidate”.
