Friday night means habs prospect games. We were mainly watching two in the NCAA: Michael Hage and L.J. Mooney.
The former was in action against the Ohio State Buckeyes. He stood out with three assists in a 6-4 victory.
He got off to a great start in the first minute of the game by charging to the net. His shot was stopped, but his teammate Will Horcoff scored on the rebound.
Habs prospect Michael Hage with the assist to open the scoring for Michigan
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 31, 2026
His second point came when he won a faceoff, and he ended his night with another assist on a powerplay.
Habs prospect Michael Hage picks up his 3rd assist of the game for Michigan
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 31, 2026
When you watch him play, he really looks like a professional player. He skates really well, but also has a very mature game for his age. I understand why the habs want to keep him as a key piece of their rebuilding process.
His ceiling is very high, and we seem to be seeing only the beginning of his potential. I would even go so far as to say that he could come and help the habs at the end of the season on one of the top three lines.
As for L.J. Mooney, his game isn’t over yet, but he scored his sixth goal of the season and added an assist after 40 minutes. The University of Minnesota Gophers lead 3-1.
His shot was truly sublime. He has 21 points in 26 games since the start of the campaign.
Habs prospect LJ Mooney with a one-timer snipe for Minnesota
He now has 6 goals & 14 assists for 20 points in 26 games
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 31, 2026
He added an assist on a beautiful pass that was deflected by teammate Brodie Ziemer.
Habs prospect LJ Mooney picks up his 2nd point of the night for Minnesota
He now has 6 goals & 15 assists for 21 points in 26 games
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 31, 2026
Mooney is playing some big hockey for a rookie in the NCAA. I can’t wait to follow himover the next few years. He’s a small player with undeniable skills, and who knows, maybe he’ll come and shake things up for the habs in two or three years.
Overtime
– A player in decline.
Pierre LeBrun: Re Andrew Mangiapane: The problem is it’s been such a tough season for him, that I think some teams…have said well, are you giving us a pick to take him?; I wonder about a team like Winnipeg; Ottawa; St. Louis – Jay on SC (1/28)
— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) January 31, 2026
– Engstrom continues his excellent season.
Magnificent https://t.co/o662mPzCpt pic.twitter.com/DnXJ1goWfk
— Laval Rocket (@RocketLaval) January 31, 2026
– Hard to believe that would be an option.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Artemi Panarin: I heard Toronto last week, but I checked into it and was told no, I mean they may have looked into it, but I don’t think it’s likely for them – 32 Thoughts (1/30)
— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) January 31, 2026
