In the ever-dramatic world of NHL trade rumors, few stories have sparked as much curiosity among Montreal Canadiens fans as the latest revelation involving a potential deal with the New York Islanders.

Thanks to a bombshell report from Marco D’Amico, we now have insight into a negotiation that could have changed the trajectory of the franchise—and yet, one key decision left everyone stunned.

Behind closed doors, Canadiens management faced a crossroads: the chance to acquire an elite defenseman, a move that might have electrified the fanbase and shifted the team’s competitive edge overnight.

But what made this situation truly fascinating was the unwavering stance taken by General Manager Kent Hughes and his team, who refused to part with a rising young star, even when a blockbuster trade was on the table.

Why did the Canadiens value this prospect so highly? What does it reveal about their long-term vision and confidence in their youth movement?

And how close did they come to pulling off a headline-grabbing deal that could have sent shockwaves through the NHL? The full story behind these tense negotiations and the implications for the future of the team are more compelling than you might expect—read on to uncover the details.

Photo of Montreal Canadiens Logo (left) and New York Islanders Logo (right)

Photo credit: Habs Fanatics

The excellent Marco D’Amico has just revealed some very interesting information involving the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders.

It’s interesting because it seems to officially settle a matter.

According to Marco D’Amico Michael Hage will not be traded by the Canadiens.

No, not even for a big name like Mason McTavish.

The Montreal Canadiens refused to include Michael Hage in a trade for elite defenseman Noah Dobson

Obviously, and fortunately, Kent Hughes and Mathieu Darche came to another agreement.

However, know that Hughes was willing to let Dobson go, so much did he want to keep Michael Hage on his team.

That says a lot about how the Canadiens’ management perceives Hage.

“They really trust Michael Hage.

Proof: Hage was a non-starter in discussions for Noah Dobson.”

– Marco D’Amico

Personally, I believe Kent Hughes did the right thing.

Acquiring Noah Dobson but losing a potential future dominant second-line center like Michael Hage.. It would have been a great acquisition, but with a slightly bitter taste.

This way, we really got the best of both worlds.

Michael Hage has not been messing around this summer

NCloutierTVA: “What I can tell you about his offseason work is that Michael Hage is locked in!”

Now, would I be willing to involve Michael Hage in a trade for a name like Mason McTavish?

That would be an excellent question, but knowing Kent Hughes, I have the feeling he would absolutely not be ready to include Hage or David Reinbacher in such a deal, so it’s a bit pointless to talk about it.