Michael Hage Makes Predicted Third Line for Canada’s World Juniors

UPDATE: Michael Hage has officially secured a spot on Canada’s third line for the upcoming 2026 World Junior Championship, as predicted by hockey analyst Craig Button. This news comes just days ahead of the tournament, intensifying excitement among fans and players alike.

Despite not participating in last year’s championship, Hage shone as Canada’s leading scorer with four goals and one assist in just four games, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly to the team. As Team Canada prepares for the prestigious tournament, Hage’s inclusion signals a promising future, although he will not be positioned as a center due to the sheer talent surrounding him.

In his prediction, Button outlined the formidable competition Hage will face on the ice. The projected lines feature top prospects such as Gavin McKenna, set to be the first pick in the upcoming NHL draft, alongside Roger McQueen and Porter Martone on the first line. The second line boasts Michael Misa, Berkly Catton, and Beckett Sennecke, all top-10 draft picks.

Hage is expected to line up with Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers on the third line, a trio of players noted for their strong game vision and adaptability. This dynamic could provide Hage with the opportunity to showcase his skills against elite competition.

While Hage’s placement on the third line may seem less glamorous, it highlights the depth of talent on Canada’s roster. Notably, players like Jett Luchanko, Cayden Lindstrom, and Sacha Boisvert were overlooked for the final selection, despite being drafted ahead of Hage in 2024. His selection as the only Canadiens prospect by Button emphasizes Hage’s rising status in the sport.

As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Hage’s performance and development. The 2026 World Junior Championship is set to commence shortly, with teams finalizing their rosters and strategies for the competition.

In other news, Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick from the last draft, has signed a three-season entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. Schaefer, donning the number 48, is expected to make an immediate impact as he joins the franchise.

Additionally, Quebec has advanced to the semi-finals of the Canadian Little League Championship, further igniting local sports enthusiasm.

Stay tuned for more updates as the World Juniors draw near and the stakes continue to rise for players like Hage. This is a critical moment in his career, and fans will be eager to see how he capitalizes on this opportunity.