Luke Misa

November 2023 – It doesn’t take long for your eyes to gravitate towards Luke Misa when watching the Mississauga Steelheads play. He’s the small, feisty forward with speed to burn, and is relentless in pursuit. Misa is at his best as a puck transporter and distributor as he’s excellent in transition and setting up teammates with passes once he gains the offensive zone. He is a very effective playmaker making passes from behind the net as well and off the half wall. Despite his small frame, he will win puck battles by using his speed and competitiveness. Misa is supremely tenacious and will backcheck hard to try to force as many turnovers as he can. Once he forces a turnover, he scans quickly to find outlet passes and flip the ice in his team’s favour. Misa’s shot is just okay and probably needs more to score consistently at the next level. Combine that with poor size and just good skill and this is probably what separates him from a player like Zach Benson in 2023. Still, despite the small frame, players who skate and compete like Misa find ways to make the NHL and stick for a long time, even if it’s not in a top-line role. Jordan Harris (November Rankings: 16th Overall)