Michael Misa

April 2026 – Misa has settled into a third-line centre role in San Jose through his rookie campaign, averaging 11-15 minutes per night alongside offensive-oriented players like Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund. Through 36 games, he has posted seven goals and nine assists – modest totals that reflect a deliberate development plan and meaningful time lost to a lower-body injury earlier in the year. The Sharks’ push to remain competitive has limited his offensive touches, but flashes of high-end playmaking have surfaced throughout. A bronze medal showing with seven points in seven games at the 2026 World Junior Championship provided a mid-season confidence boost before his return to the lineup.

It remains to be seen whether the tools that defined his OHL peak – explosive acceleration and down-ice vision that routinely forces defenders into uncomfortable positions – will translate at the NHL level, however, it is a good sign that he’s a lineup regular for a team that is trying to make the playoffs. A key development point for him will be getting to the spots on the ice where he can start shooting more. The on-ice vision and processing should eventually catch up to the speed of the NHL game, and there’s no doubt his legs can get him there once that adjustment is managed on his part. As San Jose matures, Misa is the clear heir to a prominent top six role – potentially the second pillar of a Celebrini-led nucleus. Ryan Downey

September 2025 – Ranked by some to be the top player in the draft, Misa fell to the Sharks in the two-hole, allowing them to lock in a dynamic potential first-line superstar to go with the crop they already have. Misa was granted exceptional status to join the Ontario Hockey League at just 15 years old, and it is not hard to see why, given Misa’s explosive and smart game. He generates excitement every time he collects the puck. The anticipation of something spectacular blankets the rink, and he often delivers, whether that be with his blazing speed, an excellent setup, or his heavy wrist shot. His down-ice vision, combined with his acceleration, puts defenders on their heels, and he always has a clear route and plan when carrying the puck. He is always dangerous in the offensive zone and can escape pressure to generate a high-danger scoring chance. 

Misa signed a three-year, entry-level contract on September 10, 2025 and will join a talented crop already in the show with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith enjoying their new roles in the NHL. Misa projects as a number one center and should be able to add another dimension to the Sharks’ offence and power play for years to come. The future became even more teal on draft night with Misa joining the fold. Sean Crocker

June 2025 – Selected second overall, Michael Misa is now a member of the San Jose Sharks. Alex Wyatt

Final Rankings -Though he’s not our number one prospect, the gulf between Misa and third is much wider than that between him and Schaefer. In terms of skating, handling, and shooting, Misa has all the tools that you’d look for in an NHL centre. His unreal production in the OHL (1st in the CHL in points, 2nd in goals) should make him a no-doubt, can’t-miss pick. Throw in elite vision and processing, a dedication to a two-way game, net-driving tendencies, and the ability to play within a system, and Misa is as close to perfect as you can get. There are differing opinions as to whether or not Misa will truly become an NHL 1C. While I don’t see Mackinnon-Barkov territory, he’s also a clear step ahead of other recent 1OA picks like Lafreniere, Slafkosvky, or even Hischier. A solid 1C with all-situations utility is in the near future.—Luke Sweeney

June 2025 – A supremely well-rounded centre, Misa has dominated with his intelligence, timing, and positioning as much as he has with his high-end shooting, top speed and agility. After a truly sensational OHL season, Misa had his share of struggles in the OHL playoffs. With all three of his points coming in game three and finishing a -10 in the four-game sweep, it’s fair to say this was a disappointing showing for the draft’s top centre.—Luke Sweeney

January – In another world, Misa would have gone with Team Canada to Ottawa, giving scouts a chance to see how his game measures up to other top prospects like Hagens, Schaefer, or Martone. Instead, we’ll have to settle for his continued dominance of the OHL. Misa is just shy of two points-per-game and a goal-per-game, all while using his fantastic smarts and skating to play a solid defensive game. There are few players this cycle who look as well rounded, or as projectable. Still a first-overall challenger, Misa is looking much more the part of Exceptional Status recipient.  Luke Sweeney