The landscape of college and junior hockey is shifting, and few moves have generated as much buzz as the recent developments involving two of the brightest young stars in the game. With new rules opening doors between the CHL and NCAA, the University of Michigan Wolverines have wasted no time capitalizing on this unique opportunity—bolstering their roster with elite talent and sending ripples of excitement through the hockey world.

Among the most talked-about names are Michael Hage, a highly regarded Montreal Canadiens prospect, and Malcolm Spence, a dynamic forward whose skills have already turned heads at the highest levels of junior hockey. Their paths, once separated by league boundaries, are now set to converge in Ann Arbor, where anticipation is building for what could become one of the most electrifying partnerships in college hockey.

For Canadiens fans and NHL draft watchers alike, this development raises intriguing possibilities. The Wolverines’ latest addition not only strengthens an already impressive lineup but also hints at future connections that may soon resonate in Montreal. As the draft approaches and speculation swirls, all eyes are on Michigan—and on the budding chemistry between two players who could define the next era of hockey excellence.

Photo credit: NHL

Recently, a player playing in the CHL can now make the jump to the NCAA as a new agreement between the two leagues has been finalized.

Several teams from the NCAA took advantage of this, including the University of Michigan Wolverines.

They, after reaching an agreement with Henry Mews last month, have just brought in the young talent, Malcolm Spence.

“A second elite CHL player has committed to the University of Michigan!

Malcolm Spence is a star forward who played three years in Erie (OHL) and is expected to be a first-round pick at the upcoming NHL Draft.

He also won gold for Canada at the U18 World Championships and the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.”

Michigan Hockey’s Future

An Addition That Will Benefit Michael Hage

Spence is a very talented forward, to say the least. In 65 games with the Erie Otters in the OHL during 2024-2025, the 6-foot-1 left-handed forward collected 73 points, including 32 goals.

It will be interesting to see him paired with Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage.

Hage, who decided to stay another season in the NCAA, will surely benefit from Spence’s arrival at Michigan to boost his personal statistics.

After posting 34 points in 33 games in his first NCAA season, Hage could very well surpass that mark if he plays alongside Spence this season.

The Canadiens prospect already seems very happy about Spence’s arrival on his team.

Kent Hughes Interested in Malcolm Spence?

What’s interesting about this news, beyond the pairing with Hage, is that Spence could very well become a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization on June 27.

Indeed, according to several sources, the young man could be selected between the 15th and 20th overall picks at the upcoming NHL Draft, and a rumor suggests that the Canadiens are quite interested in Spence.

Let’s remember that the Canadiens will have the 16th and 17th picks at this draft and could therefore select the young man with one of those choices.

According to Kris Mallette, his coach with the Erie Otters last season, Spence is a physical forward who can play in any situation during a game.

His maturity makes him a player you can trust in tough situations.

“With our team, he has a much more complete role than the one I had seen him play before.

He plays on our top two lines, on the power play, and on the penalty kill as well.

He wants to be a player you can trust in all situations, and he has earned that trust.”

Kris Mallette

It will be interesting to see if the Canadiens will opt for a player who will be playing with one of their top prospects in 2025-2026. Just imagine the chemistry that could already be building between Hage and Spence!